How Important Is It To Remember Your Last Known Position?

Establishing a Reference Point

When you’re lost, it’s essential to remember your last known position. This could be a road intersection, a landmark, or even a distinctive feature of your location. Try to recall as much detail as possible, including the direction you were heading, any notable features you passed, and the time of day. To aid in memory, associate your last known position with a specific landmark or feature, like a distinctive tree or a particular rock formation. If you’re in a remote area, try to remember the time of day and the direction of the sun to help you estimate the direction of civilization.

Using Dead Reckoning to Reorient

Once you have a reference point, you can use dead reckoning to estimate your current location. Dead reckoning involves tracking your movements by estimating the distance and direction you’ve traveled since your last known position. To do this, measure the distance you’ve covered using the terrain or any recognizable features, and then use a compass to estimate the direction you’ve traveled. If you’re unsure, try to recall any distinctive features or obstacles you’ve encountered since your last known position. By combining these estimates, you can create a rough estimate of your current location.

Signaling for Help

If you have a means of communication, such as a phone or a two-way radio, use your last known position to provide your location to emergency services. Even if you don’t have a means of communication, signaling for help can be an effective way to get rescued. Use your knowledge of your last known position to create a signal fire or a smoke signal that can be seen from a distance. If you’re in a remote area, try to create a signal that’s visible from multiple directions, such as a fire or a smoke signal on a ridge or hilltop.