Questions tagged [navigation]
This tag is for all questions about outdoor navigation with maps, compasses or mobile devices equipped with sensors for satellite based positioning systems.
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Navigational gear worldwide
Is there any difference in navigational equipment between the northern and southern hemisphere? We live in the northern hemisphere but will be emigrating to the southern in the next few weeks. We'll ...
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As of 2019, why do mountaineering courses still teach how to use a paper map?
I've been looking into learning how to mountaineer and noticed that the local mountaineering society still requires a training in navigation as part of the prerequisites for most of their basic ...
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I never adjust for true north. Is this bad practice?
This question (Calculate true north with a compass and map) got me thinking. I rarely bother adjusting compass bearings for magnetic north. Is this bad? I understand the theory but I just rarely ...
user2766
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How can you navigate without a compass or GPS
What are the ways you can navigate when you don't have a compass or a GPS? For example how can you tell which way is north.
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Is it normal for a compass to develop an air bubble at high altitude?
I live in Denver, Colorado. Going above 10,000 ft. (3,000 metre) always results in an air bubble large enough for me to want to tilt the compass to prevent the bubble from interfering with the needle....
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How much distance is there between True North and Magnetic North Poles?
This question is not as simple as it seems, and a few minutes of googling did not drop the answer in my lap.
A comment at I never adjust for true north. Is this bad practice? suggesting that:
...
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How can I find north from the stars without recognizable constellations?
If I am trying to find out which way is north at night, and I can see stars, but not the North Star or the Southern cross or other recognizable constellations, because the terrain is limiting my view, ...
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How do you correct Google Earth's incorrect slope percentage?
I often use Google earth to plan trips. One part of that is marking paths and seeing how steep they are.
However Google Earth severely underestimated the steepness of slopes. For instance here is a ...
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How do I find north using a watch?
I've heard this is possible but I'm not sure on the details. Can someone elaborate?
user2766
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Why would one aim off when navigating with a map and compass?
Sometimes while navigating with map and compass, the advice is to aim off i.e. to aim either to the left or right of the intended destination, as opposed to straight for it.
Why and when would one ...
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What should I do when I'm lost?
What should I do when I get disoriented or lost? How can I find help or make myself easier to find?
This is a general question to do when lost in the wilderness, whether it is a meadow or mountain.
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Group protocol should the group become separated
A small group (2-10 people total) is travelling in a wilderness area. For whatever reason a person or a couple get separated. What is the best strategy for the lost ones? What is the best strategy to ...
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How do I read a topographic map?
When navigating in the backcountry, you'll usually bring a topographic map that shows the terrain so you can tell if there will be steep slopes or cliffs that might make the route difficult.
A ...
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Calculate true north with a compass and map
We've a map and a functional compass. A compass shows of course the magnetic north and the map provides us with the correct and current declination.
The North Magnetic Pole is the point on the ...
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When is the best time of year to find the North Pole?
The Geographic North Pole or Terrestrial North Pole, is defined as the point in the Northern Hemisphere where the Earth's axis of rotation meets its surface. source
There were several attempts to ...
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