What compass techniques work well for wilderness navigation?

Using Landmarks for Triangulation

When using a compass for triangulation, start by identifying two known landmarks, such as a mountain peak and a lake. Ensure you have a clear view of both landmarks and take note of the direction of travel and distance to each landmark. Using your compass, draw a line between the two landmarks and determine your location by finding the intersection point. For example, if a mountain peak is 5 miles northwest of you and a lake is 3 miles southeast of you, draw a line between the two and find the point where it intersects.

Dead Reckoning and Navigation

Dead reckoning involves tracking your movement speed and direction to estimate your location. To use dead reckoning, start by calculating your speed and direction of travel. For example, if you’re walking at a rate of 3 miles per hour in a northerly direction, after 6 hours you’ll have traveled 18 miles north. Use your compass to update your direction of travel and estimate your location based on your speed and direction. Keep in mind that dead reckoning is an estimate and should be used in conjunction with other navigation techniques.

Natural Navigation Aids

In addition to landmarks and dead reckoning, natural navigation aids like the sun and stars can be used to determine direction. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, so it can be used to determine the direction of sunrise and sunset. The stars can also be used to determine direction, with the North Star (Polaris) being a reliable guide for navigation. To use the North Star, locate it in the night sky and draw an imaginary line through it to the horizon. This line will point towards the north.