Be Expert with Map and Compass

GPS devices are great, but they can break, get lost, or easily be hampered by weather conditions, making basic map and compass skills essential for anyone who spends time outdoors. This popular, easy-to-use orienteering handbook has been helping people find their way for more than fifty years. Now updated to include information on GPS as well as current Web sites, references, sources, and photographs, it remains the book of choice for professional outdoorsmen, novice orienteers, and outdoor organizations as well as teachers, scout leaders, recreational hikers, hunters, and others around the world.

Coverage includes understanding map symbols; traveling by map alone, by compass alone, or by map and compass together; finding bearings; sketching maps; and traveling in the wilderness.

• Explains basic map and compass skills clearly
• Fully updated edition, including information on GPS
• Includes up-to-date Web site addresses, references, and sources
• Features a fresh, rugged design
• Ideal book for beginners

If you're looking to feel more comfortable in the wilderness, this updated guide is an indispensable reference.

Preface to the Third Edition v

Introduction The Art (and Science) of Orienteering 1

The Map and Compass in Your Everyday Life 3

The Map and Compass in the Outdoors 5

Map and Compass for the Family 7

Map and Compass Bringing People Together 8

Using the Map and Compass in Education 9

The “Romance” of Orienteering 10

Part I Discovery: Fun with Maps Alone 11

What Is a Map? 12

What the Map Tells 20

Traveling by Map 52

Part II Exploration: Fun with the Compass 65

The Origin of the Compass 67

Compass Design Basics 73

Traveling by Compass Alone 74

Test Your Compass Skills 85

Fishing and Hunting: Special Use of Your Compass 102

Part III Adventure: Fun with Map and Compass 109

The Excitement of the Uncertain 112

Traveling by Map and Compass—Orienteering 126

Hints on Wilderness Orienteering 143

Part IV Challenge: Competitive Orienteering 149

The History of the Sport of Orienteering 151

Your First Orienteering Race 171

Hints on Competitive Orienteering 180

Organizing an Orienteering Event 195

Preparing the Course 196

Running an Orienteering Event 212

Answers to Tests 223

Glossary 227

Map and Compass Resources 231

International Orienteering Federation Control Descriptions 233

Index 239

The late BJÖRN KJELLSTRÖM was a Swedish champion in orienteering who loved to share his passion for the outdoors. His writings on the subject have been published in several languages. He helped invent the modern protractor-based compass and cofounded the internationally renowned compass company Silva. He is credited with introducing orienteering to the United States. He was also one of the founders of the Swedish and U.S. Orienteering Federations.

CARINA KJELLSTRÖM ELGIN developed her love of nature and of orienteering by literally following in the footsteps of her father, Björn Kjellström, on daily childhood excursions.

The classic map and compass navigation guide—revised for the age of GPS

"Required reading for the beginner in map and compass work, as well as for those interested in serious orienteering. In simple, clear, concise terms the basics of map and compass work are described and illustrated."
–George T. Hamilton, Appalachia

GPS devices are great, but they can break, get lost, or easily be hampered by weather conditions or physical obstructions. That's why basic map and compass skills remain essential for anyone who spends time outdoors today. This popular, easy-to-use handbook has been helping people find their way for more than fifty years. Updated with current Web site information, photographs, and more, it covers traveling by map alone, by compass alone, or by map and compass together. It features:

• Clear, concise instructions for using a map and compass effectively
• Exercises to help you learn and practice your orienteering skills
• An introduction to the basics of competitive orienteering
• Useful references for fur ther information
• Tips on using your GPS device in concert with map and compass techniques

If you're looking to feel more comfortable in the wilderness, this book will teach you the skills you need for safe outdoor navigation for hiking, hunting, or just for fun.