Have you ever had GPS fail at a critical moment?

Understanding Your Environment

When GPS fails, the first step is to assess your surroundings and identify recognizable landmarks, such as mountains, rivers, or valleys. Note the time of day and the position of the sun to help with directional orientation. This can be done by observing the direction of shadows or the location of the sun in the sky, which can be estimated using a sundial or a makeshift compass with a stick and a rock.

Creating a Map and Compass

In addition to understanding your environment, having a reliable map and compass is essential for wilderness navigation. A standard topographic map should include contour lines, which can be used to identify terrain features and navigate through the wilderness. A compass, on the other hand, should be used in conjunction with the map to ensure accurate directions. A compass needle should be balanced on a surface, with the direction-of-travel arrow pointing towards the desired direction. This technique is known as “balancing the compass.” Furthermore, a compass can be used to take a bearing by aligning the direction-of-travel arrow with a landmark, such as a mountain or a river.

Dead Reckoning Navigation

When GPS fails and a map and compass are not available, dead reckoning navigation can be used as a last resort. This involves tracking your movement by counting your steps or using a makeshift pedometer to estimate your distance traveled. Dead reckoning navigation relies on the concept of “course and speed,” which should be accurately recorded to estimate your position. This method should be used with caution and only in emergency situations, as it can lead to inaccuracies and disorientation.