Category Books

Wilderness Navigation: Finding Your Way Using Map, Compass, Altimeter, & »

Authors: Bob Burns, Mike Burns
ISBN-13: 9780898869538, ISBN-10: 0898869536
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Mountaineers Books, The
Date Published: August 2004
Edition: (Non-applicable)

Author Biography: Bob Burns

Book Synopsis

A classic handbook for learning to navigate-extensively updated to include the newest trends and devices* GPS chapter completely updated to reflect newer models and features of GPS receivers now available * Expanded to include a section on routefinding on glaciers, along with additional information on changing declination * Extensive illustrated examples of orientation and navigation Proceed with confidence when heading off-road or off-trail with the second edition of Wilderness Navigation. Whether you are climbing a glacier, orienteering in the backcountry, or on an easy day hike, Mike and Bob Burns cover all the latest technology and time-tested methods to help you learn to navigate-from how to read a map to compasses and geomagnetism. Bob Burns is a long-time member of The Mountaineers. He has taught classes in the use of map and compass since the late 1970s. Mike Burns is an avid climber. He has instructed climbing and navigation classes, and written articles for Climbing magazine.

	Preface and Acknowledgments	8
	Introduction	10
1.	Map Basics	13
	USGS Topographic Maps	14
	How to Read Topographic Maps	15
	Limitations of Maps	23
	Customizing and Modifying Maps	24
	Carrying Maps on a Wilderness Trip	24
	Where to Get Maps	25
	The Importance of the Map	26
2.	Compass Basics	27
	Types of Base Plate Compasses	29
	Bearings	30
	Bearings in the Field	31
	Magnetic Declination	34
	Back Bearings	38
	Bearings on the Map	39
	Practicing with the Compass	41
	Tips on Compass Use	42
	The Map and Compass: A Checklist	43
	And for the Last Time	45
3.	Orientation with Map and Compass	46
	Point Position	47
	Line Position	47
	Area Position	48
	Orienting a Map	50
	Direction and Bearing of the Slope	51
	A Reminder	53
4.	Navigation with Map and Compass	54
	Map and Compass	54
	Compass Alone	56
	Using Intermediate Objectives	56
	The Intentional Offset ("Aiming Off")	57
	The Parallel Path	58
	Navigating around an Obstruction	59
	Always Know Where You Are Headed, and Consider the Return Route	60
	A Reminder	61
5.	Lost!	62
	How to Avoid Getting Lost	62
	What If You Do Get Lost?	68
6.	More About Maps	71
	Distance Measurement on the Map	71
	Slope Measurement on the Map	74
	Range, Township, and Section	77
7.	More About Compasses and Geomagnetism	81
	Where to Get Declination Information	81
	Changes in Declination	82
	Dip	86
	Using the Clinometer	87
	Other Types of Compasses	88
8.	The Altimeter	92
	What the Altimeter Is and How It Works	92
	Types of Altimeters	92
	Effects of Weather on Altimeters	93
	Precision and Accuracy	94
	Effects of Temperature on Altimeters	94
	Cautions When Using the Altimeter in Wilderness Travel	94
	Orientation	94
	Navigation	95
	Decision Making	95
	Use of Bearing of the Slope with the Altimeter	96
9.	The Global Positioning System	97
	Selecting a GPS Receiver	97
	Getting Started with GPS	98
	Using a GPS Receiver in Wilderness Navigation	99
	Orientation Using GPS and UTM Coordinates	101
	Navigation Using GPS and UTM Coordinates	104
	Datums, Zones, and Bands	105
	Limitations of GPS Receivers	106
10.	Wilderness Routefinding	109
	On the Trail	110
	In the Forest	111
	In Alpine Areas	113
	On Snow	114
	Wands	116
	On Glaciers	118
	Moats and Bergschrunds	120
	The Bootprint	121
	The Art of Wilderness Routefinding	122
	Bibliography	124
Appendix	Wilderness Navigation Practice Problems	127
	Index	138