Table of Contents
Preface 8
Acknowledgments 10
Introduction 11
Chapter 1 Map Basics 13
Understanding Map Types and Terms 14
Using USGS Topographic Maps 15
Reading Topographic Maps 16
Knowing the Limitations of Maps 28
Customizing and Modifying Maps 28
Carrying Maps on a Wilderness Trip 29
Finding and Buying Maps 30
The Importance of a Map 31
Chapter 2 Compass Basics 32
Types of Baseplate Compasses 33
Selecting and Purchasing a Compass 40
Bearings 41
Bearings in the Field 42
Magnetic Declination 46
Back Bearings 50
Bearings on a Map 51
Practicing with a Compass 54
Tips and Cautions for Compass Use 55
Map and Compass: A Checklist 57
And for the Last Time 58
Chapter 3 Orientation with Map and Compass 60
Point Position 61
Line Position 62
Area Position 63
Orienting a Map 65
Direction and Bearing of the Slope 66
A Reminder 67
Chapter 4 Navigation with Map and Compass 69
Map and Compass Navigation 71
Compass Alone 71
Using Intermediate Objectives 73
The Intentional Offset ("Aiming Off") 73
The Parallel Path 74
Navigating around an Obstruction 75
Always Keep the Return Route in Mind 76
A Reminder 77
Chapter 5 Lost! 79
How to Avoid Getting Lost 80
Staying Oriented en Route 85
What If You Do Get Lost? 89
Survival 91
Chapter 6 More About Maps 93
Using the Latitude and Longitude Coordinate System 93
Using the UTM Coordinate System 96
Navigation Using GPS and UTM Coordinates 100
Datum, Zone, and Latitude Bands 100
Other Coordinate Systems 102
Range, Township, and Section 103
Distance Measurement on a Map 106
Pace 108
Slope (Grade) Measurement on a Map 109
Chapter 7 More About Compasses and Geomagnetism 114
Where to Get Declination Information 114
Changes in Declination 117
Dip 121
Using a Clinometer 122
Other Types of Compasses 125
Chapter 8 The Altimeter 130
What an Altimeter Is and How It Works 131
Types of Altimeters 131
Precision and Accuracy 133
Effects of Barometric Pressure on Altimeters 134
Effects of Temperature on Altimeters 134
Cautions When Using an Altimeter in Wilderness Travel 135
Using an Altimeter in Wilderness Travel 135
Chapter 9 The Global Positioning System 139
Selecting a GPS Receiver (or Unit or Device) 141
Getting Started with GPS 144
Using a GPS Receiver in Wilderness Navigation 144
Interfacing a GPS Receiver with a Home Computer 346
Limitations and Pitfalls of GPS Receivers 148
Coping with the Limitations of GPS Receivers 150
Using the GPS Function in Smart Devices 152
Precautions When Using Smart Mobile Devices for Wilderness Navigation 157
Chapter 10 Wilderness Routefinding 160
Trip Planning and Preparation 160
On the Trail 162
In the Forest 164
In the Desert 366
In Alpine Areas 167
On Snow 168
On Glaciers 171
Moats and Bergschrunds 173
The Bootprint 173
Bibliography 177
Appendix: Practice Problems 178
Answers to Problems 186
Index 187