Frequently, a survival situation starts out when someone gets lost. Here are some simple tips from survival expert Peter Kummerfeldt about using a map, compass and GPS to stay found.

Sometimes a task or survival skill, when viewed in its entirety, seems to be overwhelming (Such as where do you start to learn land navigation?) The best way tackle learning such a skill is to break things down into smaller “baby steps.” This week, land navigation expert Blake Miller explains how to make sense out of true north on your topographical map.

Blake Miller is known regionally as the go-to guy for land navigation training. As a Search and Rescue volunteer and instructor at Central Oregon Community College, Blake has taught hundreds of students the basics of staying found in various wilderness areas. I think you’ll like his review of this book on natural orientation in the backcountry.

The unexpected happens even for the best prepared. Accidents just happen.

Remember that the correct operation of the compass is dependent on the action of the magnetic needle. Lots of items in a pack and clothing can affect the needle.

Even an experienced hiker will forget about gear that is carried in the field that potentially impacts a digital electronic compass. by Blake Miller  While teaching a community college class on land navigation, a student asked me what affects a GPS receiver’s electronic compass? This is a great question and offers an opportunity to assess [...]

Topographical maps have many parts, and if you’re going to use one effectively, understanding how the pieces fit together is really important. In this article, navigation expert and teacher Blake Miller discusses the map scale information, and makes some suggestions about what scale is best for your needs. By Blake Miller Dictionary.com defines map scale [...]

Use your GPS waypoints correctly to stay found in the wilderness. The people in my hunting group always use “AAA” as the universal waypoint designation of where the vehicle is parked. “Camp” is always where we are camping. A few correctly labeled and used waypoints goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe! – Leon [...]

  Before heading out on  a backcountry trip, there are three important steps to accomplish before leaving home. by Blake Miller First, tell someone where you are going and when to expect your return. Second, leave a map of your planned route with that responsible person and in your vehicle. Third, fill out the trip [...]

Before technology entered the backcountry world of the outdoors, the primary and proven tools of navigation were a map and compass. Compass navigation remains an important component of the “Ten Essentials” for wilderness travel. Knowledge of how to use map and compass takes education and practice. Further, such knowledge will enhance GPS navigation as many [...]