Map and Compass

[NP99]

Just wondering what the skill set is with paper map and compass. I've been doing it for over 30 years and often run into hunters and 4wd's who are not confident or lack the skill set.

It should be something we all can do when outdoors.

[Bulbous]

It's one of those things that once learnt is never forgotten, but I wonder if anyone is learning now since GPS is just so easy and convenient.
My Galaxy Note 2 with Orux Maps can give my Garmin GPS (Oregon) a run for it's money on performance.

[NP99]

At least 4 of us won't get lost when we revert back to paper :)

[NissanGQ4.2]

I don't no my left from right, don't know north from south, east from west and if my GPS ever died I walk around in circles till I ran out of beer then I would just curl up in a ball an die. I'm amazed that I even make it to and from work everyday without my gps, 3 roads I have to travel on and all of 5 mins driving!!!!!!.............Sad but true

[megatexture]

I've only done what I learnt in P.E at school and self taught the rest but I would trust my life with what I know but prefer the ease of electronic mapping

[lorrieandjas]

I learnt the lost art of navigation flying planes and sailing offshore. To be honest depending on what/where you are navigating they are all very different in practice even though the theory is the same. One of the biggest mistakes I see often in navs is that they forget to sanity check things. For example - if you think you are heading in a certain direction - roughly where should the sun be? Are you really heading in the right direction?

Jas

[NissanGQ4.2]

if you think you are heading in a certain direction - roughly where should the sun be? Are you really heading in the right direction?

What happens if its night time??? Does that mean I'm aloud to get lost when the sun goes down???

[lorrieandjas]

What happens if its night time??? Does that mean I'm aloud to get lost when the sun goes down???

You should be drinking beer!

Jas

[NissanGQ4.2]

You should be drinking beer!

Jas

I currently am :) now answer your PM *L*

[lorrieandjas]

Oops. I meant to. I think I have a few lying around work. I'll let you know tomorrow mate.

Jas

[NP99]

I learnt the lost art of navigation flying planes and sailing offshore. To be honest depending on what/where you are navigating they are all very different in practice even though the theory is the same. One of the biggest mistakes I see often in navs is that they forget to sanity check things. For example - if you think you are heading in a certain direction - roughly where should the sun be? Are you really heading in the right direction?

Jas

I find it easier working with mgrs and mils rather than lat/long and degrees. Damn this round earth, it was so much easier when it was flat :)

[NissanGQ4.2]

Damn this round earth, it was so much easier when it was flat :)

It is flat!!!!!! and don't believe anyone else that tries to tell you anything different!

P.S: Thanks Jas

[NP99]

It is flat!!!!!! and don't believe anyone else that tries to tell you anything different!

P.S: Thanks Jas

That's why I don't take my boat too far East from Bribie Island!

[NP99]

Any of the qld guys need refresher in nav, happy to help.

[rusty_nail]

been along time since i used one, but im pretty sure i can remember the basics

[Dhuck]

When I was a young fella, I used to have to use this skill set in Scouts and Orienteering. GPS wasn't even available to civilians. Let alone ADF using it back then.

[Tank]

Map and ompass work is one of things that it pays to keep working on. The rule of 3's is a good one to remember: 3 things you have been passed that tell you where you came from, 3 things that tell you why you are here now and then 3 things that you will come across in the near future to confirm where you were. Works a treat for self checking

[Maxhead]

I can get around with compass and map with ease. Some of the more advanced techniques I might struggle with but I will always get out of trouble if needed.

[NP99]

I spoke to one of the local dog shooters and he said he struggled with basic points of the compass, couldn't read a map but could only use a GPS in his rig!

[outback]

Just wondering what the skill set is with paper map and compass. I've been doing it for over 30 years and often run into hunters and 4wd's who are not confident or lack the skill set.

It should be something we all can do when outdoors.

Before i did the vote thing only 10 say they are confident with map and compass and only 14 members voted. Not really looking good as it either means most dont see this as a relivent issue or dont want the sad truth let be known paper maps scare them.

Navigation with paper and GPS should be part and parcle of ALL basic 4x4 driving courses.

Ok rant over.

Actually to be honest i am happier with paper than a GPS unit in the outdoors. In cities as i get lost there very fast must admitt GPS is my saviour., also good for speed limits on city roads.

I still prefer mils vs degrees but adaption is the name of the game

NOTE:
Anyone in the iron triangle want a refresher or learn how to use a map compass give me a contact.

[NP99]

Before i did the vote thing only 10 say they are confident with map and compass and only 14 members voted. Not really looking good as it either means most dont see this as a relivent issue or dont want the sad truth let be known paper maps scare them.

Navigation with paper and GPS should be part and parcle of ALL basic 4x4 driving courses.

Ok rant over.

Actually to be honest i am happier with paper than a GPS unit in the outdoors. In cities as i get lost there very fast must admitt GPS is my saviour., also good for speed limits on city roads.

I still prefer mils vs degrees but adaption is the name of the game

NOTE:
Anyone in the iron triangle want a refresher or learn how to use a map compass give me a contact.

I agree, prefer mils over degrees......

[outback]

I agree, prefer mils over degrees......

Yep old habits never die.
I ended up making a conversion chart degs to mils and reverse so i could use my mils compass and protractor.

You still have one of the old white rectangular protractors with the middle cutout or a flashy clear half round one with RAA written on it?