Land Navigation
In a world addicted to GPS, traditional navigation is a superpower. Batteries die, electronics fail, but magnetic poles and stars remain (relatively) constant.
Topographic Map Reading
A topographic map represents terrain on a flat surface. Key elements are contour lines (connecting points of equal elevation). Dense lines mean steep slopes, sparse lines mean gentle ones. Colors matter: green for vegetation, blue for water, brown for terrain features.
Compass Use
A compass points to magnetic north, not geographic north. The difference is magnetic declination. To set a bearing: point the direction arrow at the target, rotate the dial until the needle aligns with the north lines, read the angle.
Celestial Navigation
In the Northern Hemisphere, the North Star (Polaris) indicates almost perfect north. Find the Big Dipper, take the two rear stars of the "ladle" and extend the line 5 times upwards. In the south, use the Southern Cross.
Shadow Stick Method
Place a stick in the ground. Mark the tip of its shadow. Wait 15 minutes. Mark the new tip. The line connecting the first point to the second shows East (second point) - West (first point).