TREKKING
Navigation
Navigation
overview
As
this is a particularly technical subject our aim here is to give you a brief overview
of the subject of navigation. For a more technical view we will refer you to various
publications and resources that specialise in the subject.
These resources are best qualified to offer advice and
instructions on the subject of navigation.
Navigation
can be as simple a process as following a signpost on a tourist walking track.
Or it can be as technical as establishing your exact position on the earth's surface
based on calculations performed using a topographical map and compass. More recent
instruments include GPS (Global Positioning Systems).
Other
techniques that fall broadly under the heading of navigation include:
- Orienting
yourself by checking the position of celestial bodies i.e.; sun, moon, planets
and stars.
- Using
a compass to find north.
- Observing
and remembering landmarks. For example, distinctively shaped hills or mountains,
an unusual rocky outcrop, an oddly shaped tree trunk or branch. Even the most
monotonous of landscapes will usually have something unique about them if you
take the time to look for it. This is a practise that should become second nature
to any outdoors person.
- Using
bright coloured tree markers to indicate the return route. This practise is popular
amoung Australian bushwalkers.
- More
recently, compact digital cameras and camera phones are capable of 'remembering'
subtle landmarks for you. Especially in areas that may not have many distinguishing
features like bushland.
- Following
sketch maps. Although these are rarely drawn to scale they can at times provide
a wealth of navigational information. A good sketch map will clearly show your
intended route and will highlight any important features on the route that the
trekker should look out for.
- Following
rock cairns: These are piles of rocks put in place by other trekkers to mark a
negotiable route. They are usually put in place where the track is either non
existent or not clearly identifiable. Although the size of these cairns can vary
from country to country, the basic idea is the same. Simply follow from cairn
to cairn until the track becomes clear enough again to follow on it's own.
Detailed
information, tutorials and courses
To
get detailed information and tutorials on the art of navigation we recommend the
trekkers manual, Being
Outside
by Tim Macartney-Snape. This book has an indepth and easy to comprehend section
on navigation.
For
hands-on navigation experience in the field there are various organisations that
run workshops and courses. These are run by qualified instructors who can give
you the right advice and guidance.
One
such organisation is The Australian School of Mountaineering based in Katoomba,
NSW, Australia.
Safety
& first aid >
Related
topics:
Advanced
GPS features buyer's guide
