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Homesteading & Survival · Homesteading & Survival Courses

Map, Compass and Safe Day Trips

Plan a route, navigate with map and compass, and know when to turn back.

Level
Intermediate
Estimated study
About 10 hours
Lessons
10 lessons in 2 modules
Format
Online, self-paced
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About this course

For beginners heading onto local trails. Write a trip plan with turnaround times, read a topographic map, take and correct bearings, read basic animal sign, avoid hazardous water and signal for help. About 10 hours, ending with a supported daylight navigation walk.

What you will be able to do

  • Write a trip plan with turnaround, return and overdue times for a real trail.
  • Measure distance and elevation gain on a topographic map.
  • Take a bearing and convert between magnetic and true north.
  • Tell deer, raccoon, dog-family and cat-family tracks apart and record how sure you are.
  • Decide when to turn back for terrain, water or weather, and how to report an emergency.

Course outline

Module 1: Plan and observe the field

5 lessons · 5 h

Plan a trip, read a map, use a compass, read tracks and watch wildlife from a safe distance.

  1. Make a trip plan and turnaround rules1 h
  2. Read a paper map and terrain1 h
  3. Navigate with a compass and map1 h
  4. Recognize tracks and sign without guesswork1 h
  5. Observe wildlife ethically and at a safe distance1 h

Module 2: Respond and practice with support

5 lessons · 5 h

Set a foraging boundary, plan a rescue report, screen terrain and water, plan a legal camp, and finish with a supported navigation walk.

  1. Recognize uncertainty in plants and foraging1 h
  2. Signal for help and use search protocols1 h
  3. Cross terrain safely and avoid hazardous water1 h
  4. Build a legal low-impact field camp1 h
  5. Complete a supported navigation practice1 h
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