Orienteering techniques for beginners — where to start?

Mastering the Navigation Compass

To begin orienteering, learn how to use a compass to understand the cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west). Hold the compass flat and level, ensuring the direction-of-travel arrow is pointing in the direction you want to go. Rotate the compass dial until the magnetic needle aligns with the magnetic north indicator, noting the bearing (compass direction) you are headed. Practice taking bearings from a stationary location and from a moving position, checking your accuracy against a known landmark or GPS reading.

Understanding Map Orientation

A map’s orientation is critical for orienteering. Hold the map level and ensure the direction-of-travel arrow on the compass aligns with a prominent feature on the map, like a river or road. This alignment allows you to determine the direction of travel and your current location on the map. Practice orienting your map by using a clear landmark and checking your progress on a map to ensure you are on course.

Applying Orienteering Techniques to Navigation

With a solid understanding of compass use and map orientation, you can now apply these techniques to navigate during an orienteering event. Practice using your compass to take bearings and update your location on the map, checking your progress against a pre-determined route or GPS tracking. As you become more confident, you can start to use the terrain and visual cues to navigate, but always keep your compass handy to verify your direction.