What is navigation?

[SteveD]

Navigation is not about finding yourself after you are lost; even if that’s what happens sometimes.

It’s actually about keeping track of your position as you move away from a known point - as you move you have to remain aware of the terrain you are leaving behind - the terrain you are passing and the terrain that is ahead.

Navigation means knowing your starting point, your destination, and your route to get there; developing these skills will allow you to venture farther off the beaten path than you ever thought possible.

Practicing these skills should always be done in a controlled way but eventually you are going to have to go out there and test your new found skills and knowledge, in order that you gain the experience.

[WalkinDude]

Navigation is not about finding yourself after you are lost; even if that’s what happens sometimes.

It’s actually about keeping track of your position as you move away from a known point - as you move you have to remain aware of the terrain you are leaving behind - the terrain you are passing and the terrain that is ahead.

Navigation means knowing your starting point, your destination, and your route to get there; developing these skills will allow you to venture farther off the beaten path than you ever thought possible.

Practicing these skills should always be done in a controlled way but eventually you are going to have to go out there and test your new found skills and knowledge, in order that you gain the experience.

That's a very good way of putting it, I hadn't really thought of it like that but then I rarely have to think about it, I tend to stick to the well published and trodden routes, a map and compass isn't normally required.

Dave

[SteveD]

That's a very good way of putting it, I hadn't really thought of it like that but then I rarely have to think about it, I tend to stick to the well published and trodden routes, a map and compass isn't normally required.
Dave

Well, indeed; I have several routes that I'm so familar with that a map and compass aren't needed but I always pack them. Sometimes I cheat and take my GPS.

[Mickle]

I'll stick with my trusty map and compass. I'm not the best but its nice when you arrive exactly where you decided to at the beginning.

Mick

[SteveD]

Yes, trusty they are. Although, I found my GPS more than useful a few years ago in a white out - the GPS kept me on path without the need to back-bearings.