Map & Compass Navigation Class

About this event

Are you prepared? What happens if your navigation app or GPS becomes lost or damaged while you are in the wilderness? Do you know how to use a map or a compass? Get peace-of-mind by taking the same map and compass training class provided to search and rescue personnel throughout the state. This fast-paced, yet comprehensive one-day program will teach you how to navigate in the backcountry. Put your classroom knowledge to the test on our outdoor training course with hands-on activities. You will learn how to: Read a topographic map Orient a map to your surroundings Find your location on a map Confidently determine your route and direction of travel Differentiate True North, Magnetic North, and Grid North Compensate for magnetic declination and deviations Calculate your pace count …and many other potentially life-saving skills! Tuition includes: ​ Map tool for plotting coordinates and measuring distance Pace beads for determining your distance traveled Please Bring: Compass with: -Bezel marking in 2 degree increments​ -360 degree bezel markings (not quadrant markings) -Folding mirror -Baseplate of 3 inches or longer -Examples include: Silva Ranger 2.0 or the Suunto MC-2 (USGS model) -A good compass such as examples above will last for many years. Lower quality compasses often have problems out of the box or break easily with normal use. Pen and paper for notes during classroom session At least one fine-line permanent marker for marking on maps (maps are provided) Clothing appropriate for expected weather conditions Small backpack with hydration, snacks, and any other items you might want with you while outside ​PLEASE NOTE: You must have the physical capacity to walk off-trail, through varied terrain in a desert environment over a distance of approximately 2 miles for the field activities. Military personnel: while the fundamental skills taught in this class will apply to any land-based map and compass navigation, this class will not cover…

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