All the previous sections have been building up to this part. To do this you will need an open space like a park or forest and a map of the area - as well as your navigation tools discussed earlier.

First you will have to do some set up. You will need to find some feature that is easily identified once you get there and is also shown on your map. Something like a building, this is your target. Next you need to have a start point which is also something easily identified and can be found on your map like a road intersection. These points should be about 400-800 meters apart (1/4 to 1/2 mile) so you can get the feel of navigating but don't have too far to walk the first time. You should also select an area with easily identified boundaries in case you become miss-oriented, that way you don't wander for hours.


The following is a quick talk thru, for more in depth information on doing this go to Lesson 5.

1. On your map put a mark at the start point.

2. Then place a mark on the target point.

3. Draw a line starting from the start point thru the target point, long enough to read the direction on your protractor.

4. Determine your distance and direction. Convert direction to grid north.


5. Now the new stuff. Using the example from Lesson 5, look at the map I have (use the larger version under the thumb):

terrain of note

You will notice on the larger pic, I have circled or noted some of the terrain features we will cross or pass by. It is important to do this just like if you were driving to your local Burger King.

Often when you ask directions, people use churches, stores, gas stations, etc. as land marks to tell you how to get there. Things that tell you you're on the correct route if you pass them. As discussed in Lesson 4, knowing your terrain features is just as important as being able to tell a church from a gas station.

In my example, you will notice that on your azimuth you will start walking up hill, then at about 500 meters (.3 miles) you will cross a hill top. Next you will cross a dirt road and walk thru some level ground until at about 2/3 of the way you will go down into a shallow draw and cross an intermittent stream. Finally you will come up and go into a clearing with a dirt road in the middle of it and ponds around the edge as you walk up on the radio tower which should be visible given it's size as soon as you cross into the open area.


This section re-hashes what was discussed in Lesson 7.

6. Now you will use your compass - preferably a lensatic compass using the center hold method. Since my area is full of vegetation I will start off shooting from tree to tree. As I walk, I will keep pace using my pace beads. Once I reach a clearing, I'll try to sight in on some distant point so I can move faster, but ensuring I stay on line.


7. Once I reach my point, I will do a resection (Lesson 6) to ensure that I'm at the right radio tower.


8. For learning purposes, you should convert your original azimuth to a back azimuth (Lesson 6), and walk back to your start point using the exact same technique.

You should set up a few of these exercises and complete them. the more practice you get, the better you will be. You should also gradually increase the distance between the start point and the target.