Let’s talk old-school navigation

Alan

Alan

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Hey everyone, I'm wondering how many of you still get around without GPS. Ever used a map, compass or even just the sun to figure out where you are? It's a good skill to have. So if you've got any tips, tools or stories about getting lost and finding your way back? Share here
 
Yep, land nav and maritime navigation, both inland and open ocean (that one used a lot of trchnology but always baseline referenced dead reckoning using speed/time/drift). Never learned to use a sextant though 🫤. I do use GPS, since the early 1990s, mostly for the convenience but I do not rely solely on it. And yes, I have been technically "lost" once or twice 😉 but was able to navigate my way to a known location. Though my wife might say that I'm lost more often than not.
The biggest thing to know when you realize your lost is following the advice of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: "DON'T PANIC".
 
Kyle said:
really, are maps and compass a thing in this century?
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Believe it or not, a map and compass can still save your bacon. Batteries die, signals disappear and tech fails... but paper and knowing where you're going? That never lets you down, the old ways still work, my friend.
 
Not every "new" thing is really better. It is easy to be seduced to merely follow the algorithms presented by the electronic devices, but when one really understands the whole of the scene being traveled, it is certainly more rewarding. The GPS might lead one into a traffic tie-up which, to the experienced "map and compass" traveler, would quickly choose an alternate route saving time and frustration. Oh yes, there are those electronic items which suggest an alternate too, but when in the wilderness, the old methods will prevail when the batteries die.

"Map and compass" is a valuable tool to have in your brain-kit, especially when the batteries die or the internet is unavailable. There are many places in this nation where the electronic womb is not a reliable thing.
 
flash60601 said:
Not every "new" thing is really better. It is easy to be seduced to merely follow the algorithms presented by the electronic devices, but when one really understands the whole of the scene being traveled, it is certainly more rewarding. The GPS might lead one into a traffic tie-up which, to the experienced "map and compass" traveler, would quickly choose an alternate route saving time and frustration. Oh yes, there are those electronic items which suggest an alternate too, but when in the wilderness, the old methods will prevail when the batteries die.

"Map and compass" is a valuable tool to have in your brain-kit, especially when the batteries die or the internet is unavailable. There are many places in this nation where the electronic womb is not a reliable thing.
Click to expand...
Very true, there’s something satisfying about actually knowing your surroundings instead of just following directions, do you still practice using a map and compass regularly, or mostly rely on them as a backup these days?
 
Map and compass are pretty well established standards, and I still travel by them. I do use GPS but it only comes into play as a confirmation of what has already been traveled or to define a point in the current fashion.
 
OnX App is pretty useful.

When I hunted New York, I had hiking trail maps printed on Tyvek material from the NJ-NY Trail Conference organization. They had all the blazed trails indicated, lean toos, parking areas, water sources. Always felt confident knowing I had them on me.
I don't know if any PA based hiking groups produce similar maps.

Corporal's Corner/Shawn Kelly's Channel on YT has some good land nav/orienteering videos available if ypu want to hear it explained over reading a book on it.
 

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