The following document is a primer on land navigation. Although this document contains all the necessary information for basic land navigation, you should not rely solely upon this document- it is in no way a substitute for actual experience. As the text states, and as we reiterate throughout our teachings, these skills require practice. Do not expect to just read this document and be an expert on land navigation!

This document is quite long and is broken down into 6 chapters. Click on the links below to open any chapter in a separate window.

For additional information on Map Reconnaissance, see my Blog post of 12 February, 2009.


LAND NAVIGATION- BASIC KNOWLEDGE

Chapter 1- Introduction

Chapter 2- Equipment
                         The Compass
                              Holding the Compass
                         The Map     
                         Other Equipment
                              Waterproof map case
                              Pacecord
                              Pacecount
                              Protractor     
                              Grid Coordinate Scale

Chapter 3- About Maps
                         Map Scales
                         Marginal Information
                         Sheet Name
                         Bar Scales
                         Contour Interval Note
                         Road Classification Legend
                         Declination Diagram
                         Map Colors
                         Basic Terrain Features
                         Contour Lines
                               Index Contour Lines
                               Intermediate Contour Lines
                          Terrain Feature Diagrams

Chapter 4- Using the Map
                         Orienting to North
                         Determining and Setting Azimuth
                              Back Azimuth
                         Alternate Method
                         Declination
                              Grid North
                              Magnetic North
                              LARS
                         Resection
                         Intersection
                         Grid Coordinates
                              MGRS
                              UTM

Chapter 5- Navigation Techniques
                         Route Selection
                         Terrain Association
                         Checkpoints
                         Dead Reckoning (Line of Sight)
                         Travel in Legs
                         Deliberate Offset (Planned Deviation)

Chapter 6- Expedient Direction Finding
                         Shadow Tip
                         Sun
                         Moon/Stars

                        Conclusion
                        Recommended Reading

LAND NAVIGATION

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this manual is to familiarize the reader with basic land navigation skills. Land navigation skills are essential for anyone venturing into unknown territory, whether it is for an afternoon or an extended operation. Read the following information carefully and thoroughly. Understand the techniques outlined here before you need them- practice these techniques whenever you get a chance. Finally, never enter the wilderness without a map and compass. Armed with the following knowledge, a map, and a compass you should never become lost. (Note- All examples given in the text assume navigation in the Northern Hemisphere.)