How to Find Position With a Map and Compass

Orienteering, or simply finding your position on a map with a compass, is one of the most essential outdoor skills you can learn. Disorientation after a storm, a blocked path or a failed stream crossing can become a dangerous survival situation. Learning to find your location using a map, compass and your surroundings will allow you to plan escape routes during these scenarios and will benefit you during route finding in your off-trail hikes.

Things You'll Need

• Recent topographic map
• Map compass with clear baseplate
• Pencils

Instructions

1. A basic knowledge of topographic maps is necessary to orient with a map and compass. If you've never worked with these tools before, learn to read them before attempting to find your position outdoors.

2. Look at your surroundings and pinpoint two landmarks that are also visible on the map. Hills or mountain peaks work well for this, but stream convergences, observation towers and similar objects also work. Circle the two landmarks on your map.

3. Take a compass bearing on each of the two landmarks and write down the numbers on the map margins. To take a bearing, point the arrow or forward part of the baseplate toward the landmark and rotate the dial until the north marking lines up with the north compass needle. Look at the line on the compass dial--it should line up with one of the degree numbers written on the face. This number is your bearing.

4. Lay the map flat and align the north mark with the north needle on the compass.

5. Rotate the compass dial to the bearing of one of the two landmarks. Place the compass on the map and align the north mark on the compass with the north needle (and the map's north mark, if it is aligned properly). Keeping the mark and needle aligned, place the edge of the compass baseplate on the landmark and draw a line using the plate as a ruler.

6. Repeat Step 4 with the bearing from the second landmark. When you are finished you should have two lines that intersect. Circle where they cross over; this is your position.

Tips & Warnings

• Some natural objects, such as large rock formations, can affect the magnetic reading of compass needles. If possible, take your bearings in a place free of such obstacles.

• Occasionally, you may only need one landmark. If you are on an established trail, for instance, take the bearing of one object--your position is where the line crosses your trail.

• Practice orienteering in a safe, known environment before relying on your skills in the back country.