How to Use a Map and Compass – Never Get Lost Again

[opsspec1991]

How to Use a Map and Compass – Never Get Lost Again
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With today’s technology and with everyone having GPS at their Fingertips knowing basic map reading skills has become somewhat of a lost art. But what do you do when the grid is down and your GPS becomes an expensive useless brick weighing down your bug out bag?
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Knowing how to use a map with a compass is not only useful while you are out in the wilderness, but it could turn out to very useful in a bugging out situation or if you are trying to avoid certain “danger zones” if the S were to hit the fan.
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If you have a map, a baseplate compass and a pencil in your bug out bag (and know how to use them) and you can see two prominent land features you will never get lost again.
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We created a course that goes into much more detail at the Survivalist Prepper Academy as well as using mother nature to find direction and how this not only applies to a wilderness setting, but an urban shtf scenario also. Click here for more information.
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Navigation Webinar
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Before I get into how to triangulate your position on a map I want to go over a few of the basics of using a map with a baseplate compass so this all makes sense.
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Read More:
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How to Use a Map and Compass - Never Get Lost Again.
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My Thoughts:
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Just in case your GPS isn’t available anymore.

 

[SR9]

I have never used a GPS. Yes I've gotten lost a few times. And on those times I've seen things I never would have thought of. Beautiful scenery , great buildings, and awesome countrysides. But to me I'll stay with the old Rand-McNally road map book.
Last week I had to go to a place upstate with a friend. When I got into his truck he had his phone on GPS for directions. It said it would 67 miles and take 1.5 hours. I said I knew where we were going and he said he would let me navigate. So I told him how to go and where to turn. We got there in an hour and 17 minutes. Who needs a GPS.

 

[XD40scinNC]

I have never used a GPS. Yes I've gotten lost a few times. And on those times I've seen things I never would have thought of. Beautiful scenery , great buildings, and awesome countrysides. But to me I'll stay with the old Rand-McNally road map book.
Last week I had to go to a place upstate with a friend. When I got into his truck he had his phone on GPS for directions. It said it would 67 miles and take 1.5 hours. I said I knew where we were going and he said he would let me navigate. So I told him how to go and where to turn. We got there in an hour and 17 minutes. Who needs a GPS.

Typing on some modern technology and connected to the internet with untold amounts of knowledge at hand, and bad mouthing another modern technology.

 

[bofh]

LOL. The OP talks about navigation using a compass instead of a GPS device in conjunction with a topographical map, and not road maps. This is for any type of land navigation, such as for hiking. Your old Rand-McNally road map book is pretty useless if you get lost on a hiking trail.

We regularly do have people getting lost for a few days in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, because they "knew where they were going". They simply got lost on a hiking trail and have no map, no good compass, and no basic navigation skills.

As for a proper GPS device, it can be a useful tool. It also can be pretty useless for those that have no clue about maps and navigation.