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Dave Canterbury

This course will teach you the basic parts of a compass, how to identify a Northern Direction, correctly set a travel bearing, use your compass to travel over distance leap frogging to avoid lateral drift and to find you way back to know point of origin. We will discuss how to negotiate an obstacle and get back on your correct line of travel, as well as how to factor in how far you have actually walked using a pace count method. The basics of Compass navigation can give you a new sense of confidence when traveling in the outdoors, and allow you to leave the beaten path to discover the wonders of nature that others may not see.

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What's inside

Learning objective

Upon completeing this course the student will understand the basic use of a compass to not only find direction but also how to travel over distance in a straight line, understand how far they have traveled and be able to find the way back to a know point of origin

Syllabus

Introduction

Lesson 1 will familiarize you with the basic parts of the compass we will use in the rest of these lessons

Basic Compass Navigation Declination
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Basic Compass Navigation Walking a straight line
Basic Compass Navigation Selecting a Travel Direction
Basic Compass Navigation Plugging in a Visual Bearing
Basic Compass Navigation Leap Frogging
Basic Compass Navigation Reverse Azimuths
Basic Compass Navigation Boxing an Obstacle
Basic Compass Navigation Pace Counting
Basic Compass Navigation Judging Distance
The X Box Exercise
Compass as a Multi Tool
Basic compass Completion and Continued learning
Parts of the compass
Walking a Straight Line
Leap Frogging
Boxing Objects
Pace Counting

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Students with a background in outdoor activities may find it makes an excellent addition to their current knowledge
Provides a foundation for individuals seeking confidence when traveling in the outdoors
Instructed by survivalist Dave Canterbury, recognized for his expertise in outdoor navigation and survival skills
May be less relevant to urban explorers or travelers who prioritize paved paths over uncharted territory
Course does not cover advanced navigation techniques suitable for professional or highly experienced navigators

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Reviews summary

Compass navigation fundamentals

According to students, this compass navigation course is highly effective for learners new to the topic. They say the instructor presents information clearly and helps set a framework for more advanced studies.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Basic Compass Navigation with these activities:
Print out the provided materials
This will allow you to have all of the course materials in a single location for easy reference.
Show steps
  • Locate the course syllabus and supporting course materials.
  • Print all available materials to a local printer.
Compass course in your backyard
This will give you the practical experience required to navigate using a compass.
Show steps
  • Find a suitable outdoor location.
  • Create physical obstacles with pylons or other physical markers to navigate around.
  • Using your printed materials as a guide, complete the course while using your compass.
  • Have a friend check your progress or keep a log yourself so that you can evaluate your progress.
Generate a course summary
This activity will help solidify your understanding of navigation.
Show steps
  • Review all of the course materials.
  • Create a document, presentation, or video that explains the main principles of navigation and how to use a compass.
  • Share your deliverable with the instructor for feedback.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Navigate to a local landmark
This is a practical activity to reinforce your compass skills.
Show steps
  • Identify a local landmark that is within a reasonable hiking distance.
  • Plan your route to this landmark using your compass.
  • Hike to the landmark using your compass for navigation.
Volunteer with Search and Rescue
This is an excellent opportunity to volunteer your skills with a local organization and build a professional network.
Show steps
  • Contact your local Search and Rescue organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Upon starting, follow the instructions of your supervising SAR personnel on how to use a compass for navigation during your time with the group.
Volunteer to teach navigation
This will give you an opportunity to practice your navigation skills.
Show steps
  • Offer to teach navigation to a local Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop.
  • Create a lesson plan that covers the basics of navigation.
  • Teach the lesson to the scouts.

Career center

Learners who complete Basic Compass Navigation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Geologist
Geologists study the Earth's physical structure and history. They use their knowledge to locate and extract natural resources, such as oil, gas, and minerals. They also study the effects of human activity on the environment. The Basic Compass Navigation course can help Geologists by teaching them how to use a compass to navigate in the field. This skill is essential for Geologists who work in remote areas or who need to survey large areas of land.
Surveyor
Surveyors measure and map the Earth's surface. They use their skills to create maps, charts, and other documents that are used for a variety of purposes, such as planning construction projects, managing natural resources, and determining property boundaries. The Basic Compass Navigation course can help Surveyors by teaching them how to use a compass to accurately measure distances and angles. This skill is essential for Surveyors who need to create accurate maps and charts.
Cartographer
Cartographers create maps and other visual representations of the Earth's surface. They use their skills to create maps that are used for a variety of purposes, such as navigation, planning, and education. The Basic Compass Navigation course can help Cartographers by teaching them how to use a compass to accurately measure distances and angles. This skill is essential for Cartographers who need to create accurate maps.
Park Ranger
Park Rangers protect and manage natural resources in parks and other protected areas. They also provide information and assistance to visitors. The Basic Compass Navigation course can help Park Rangers by teaching them how to use a compass to navigate in the wilderness. This skill is essential for Park Rangers who need to patrol large areas of land and who need to be able to find their way back to safety in the event of an emergency.
Outdoor Educator
Outdoor Educators teach people about the natural world. They lead hikes, nature walks, and other outdoor activities. They also provide information about the environment and how to protect it. The Basic Compass Navigation course can help Outdoor Educators by teaching them how to use a compass to navigate in the wilderness. This skill is essential for Outdoor Educators who need to be able to safely lead groups of people in the outdoors.
Wilderness Guide
Wilderness Guides lead groups of people on hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures. They provide information about the environment and how to protect it. They also teach people how to survive in the wilderness. The Basic Compass Navigation course can help Wilderness Guides by teaching them how to use a compass to navigate in the wilderness. This skill is essential for Wilderness Guides who need to be able to safely lead groups of people in the outdoors.
Search and Rescue Technician
Search and Rescue Technicians locate and rescue people who are lost or injured in the wilderness. They use a variety of skills to search for people, including using a compass to navigate in the wilderness. The Basic Compass Navigation course can help Search and Rescue Technicians by teaching them how to use a compass to accurately measure distances and angles. This skill is essential for Search and Rescue Technicians who need to be able to find lost people in the wilderness.
Military Officer
Military Officers lead and manage troops in the military. They are responsible for planning and executing military operations. They also provide training and support to their troops. The Basic Compass Navigation course can help Military Officers by teaching them how to use a compass to navigate in the field. This skill is essential for Military Officers who need to be able to lead their troops in combat.
Police Officer
Police Officers protect and serve the public. They investigate crimes, enforce laws, and provide assistance to people in need. The Basic Compass Navigation course may be useful to Police Officers who work in rural or wilderness areas. This skill can help them to navigate in unfamiliar territory and to locate lost or injured people.
Firefighter
Firefighters protect people and property from fires. They also provide medical assistance and other services to people in need. The Basic Compass Navigation course may be useful to Firefighters who work in rural or wilderness areas. This skill can help them to navigate in unfamiliar territory and to locate people who are trapped in fires.
EMT
EMTs provide medical assistance to people who are sick or injured. They also transport people to hospitals and other医疗facilities. The Basic Compass Navigation course may be useful to EMTs who work in rural or wilderness areas. This skill can help them to navigate in unfamiliar territory and to locate people who are in need of medical assistance.
Paramedic
Paramedics provide advanced medical care to people who are sick or injured. They also transport people to hospitals and other医疗facilities. The Basic Compass Navigation course may be useful to Paramedics who work in rural or wilderness areas. This skill can help them to navigate in unfamiliar territory and to locate people who are in need of medical assistance.
Nurse
Nurses provide care to patients in hospitals and other healthcare settings. They also provide education and support to patients and their families. The Basic Compass Navigation course may be useful to Nurses who work in rural or wilderness areas. This skill can help them to navigate in unfamiliar territory and to locate patients who are in need of care.
Doctor
Doctors provide medical care to patients in hospitals and other healthcare settings. They also provide education and support to patients and their families. The Basic Compass Navigation course may be useful to Doctors who work in rural or wilderness areas. This skill can help them to navigate in unfamiliar territory and to locate patients who are in need of care.
Teacher
Teachers provide instruction to students in schools and other educational settings. They also provide support and guidance to students. The Basic Compass Navigation course may be useful to Teachers who work in rural or wilderness areas. This skill can help them to navigate in unfamiliar territory and to locate students who are lost or injured.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Basic Compass Navigation.
This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions on how to use a compass, map, and other tools for outdoor navigation. It valuable resource for students who plan to venture into remote areas.
This comprehensive guide provides expert advice on all aspects of backcountry navigation, including compass navigation, map reading, and GPS use. It is an invaluable resource for students who plan to venture into remote areas.
This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions on how to use a compass, map, and other tools for outdoor navigation. It valuable resource for students who plan to venture into remote areas.
This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions on how to use a compass, map, and other tools for navigation on land and water. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about a variety of navigation methods.
This comprehensive guide provides in-depth coverage of compass navigation techniques, including advanced topics like declination and terrain correction.
This textbook provides comprehensive coverage of navigation techniques for the outdoors, including compass navigation, celestial navigation, and GPS use. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about a variety of navigation methods.
This guide provides essential information about GPS devices and how to use them for outdoor navigation. It useful supplement to the course, helping students to understand the complementary role of GPS and compass navigation.

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