I'm looking for recommendations for the best resources for learning to use map & compass for backcountry navigation skills. Short of taking an actual course, I tend to learn faster from DVD's but a book is OK too.

Also, any resouces for using a watch/alt/compass with map instead of traditional compass?

This would be a good thing to have/know. Some one must know.

There should be tons of online resources from doing a simple yahoo or google search. Look at REI website for common navigation books.

http://www.kifaru.net/compass1.htm

Edited by jshann on 07/23/2008 12:51:01 MDT.

Start here. Then go here.
Mike

Edited by djjmikie on 07/23/2008 12:58:00 MDT.

Check out "Freedom to the Hills", haa an excellent section on map & compass, very well thought out, clear, easy to read and many illustrations.

My primary system of navigation is map reading. I carry a compass, but have not used it in years. FIRST learn to navigate with a good topo map. Use of the other tools will be easy after you have developed map reading skills.

You might try "The Essential Wildnerness Navigtor", David Seidman, Ragged Mountain Press, 1995. This should tell and show you all you need to know.

Cheers

I second Duane's recommendation.

I would also add that everyone interested in learning navigation with a map and compass to try orienteering. There are lots of local clubs with events almost every weekend in spring and fall. It is a very low cost activity that is certain to improve your navigation skills as well as your fitness if you take it seriously enough and start running the courses. At better events you can get on a 12 Km course and practice keeping a bearing over very long distances and see what happens to your accuracy. You learn to find all sorts of features to use and the 1:10,000 scale maps are very fun to use.

This site goes over some basics:

http://www.learn-orienteering.org/old/

Also a good book that is clearly written and goes over the basics is "Be expert with map and compass" by Bjorn Kjellstrom. I'd recommend that book as a starter. I've seen it at Barns and Noble and other good bookstores.

That's basically why I did a geography degree along with my computer science one. :) Seriously, there are a number of good texts on this issue, most of which are probably in your local university's geography department (assuming they have one). Give them a buzz. :)

Join the military. BELIEVE ME, they will teach you land navigation. And it will only cost you four years of your life (probably)... :-)

You could find an Old Boyscout Handbook at Half-Price Books or on Amazon, that's where I learned some basic skills.

I prefer visual (DVD) also as the preferred way to learn, but after searching the web and other literature the most recommended source I found was a book:
“Wilderness Navigation” by Bob and Mike Burns, printed by the Mountaineers, in Seattle.
It even has sample problems in the appendix to make sure you have learn the information.
I checked it out from the library and after reading it I purchased the book for my personal library.
It’s the best I’ve found on the subject