Map reading etc. Help.

[medwyn]

Hi All,

I was wondering if one of you could help me out. I am wanting to take the next step in the backcountry and start doing some solo and more isolated type walks. However, beforehand I want to increase my map reading / compass skills etc. I understand the basics, but would definitely benefit from some further learning.

Does anyone know any courses I could take? Even better are there any members who would like meet and share their knowledge? I can offer some type of $, but I am a uni student so I can't offer millions

I live in Melbourne, so I am limited to help in Victoria.

Thanks in advance,

Medwyn

[flatfoot]

Have a try of the sport of Rogaining. You use a map and compass to navigate through the bush finding control points in teams.

Some teams walk and others run the course.

It's a great way to learn basic and advanced navigation. Some of the state associations run courses. I did one with the NSW association last year. This covered daytime and nighttime navigation. It was fantastic!

Vic state Rogaining website is here: http://vra.rogaine.asn.au

You may find that your university has a club (or a bushwalking club). Some bushwalking clubs also have navigation courses.

[Vern]

There are plenty of resources on line for compass use and map reading. I would probably try some easy tracks and use the compass on the way to pinpoint where you are on the track map as a start.

Go somewhere you can see some major landmarks etc to make it easy to start with. I also find trying to visualise the topographic map is handy. Looking for ridges, gullies, peaks cliff lines etc.

At the end of the day, the more you use it the better you'll get at it.

I haven't done any Ragaining like flatfoot suggested but had a friend who loved it and became quite good at compass and map use. So I'd also back up flatfoot on his suggestion.

[tastrax]

Here is a link to Geoscience Australia and they have a great little book on maps, datums, projections and general map reading....and its free to download. It covers off all the basics and is also available at many map shops. At map shops it may come with a plastic map roamer card that is also very useful for correctly finding grid locations. Its the book I use for teaching all the basics.

https://www.ga.gov.au/products/servlet/ ... atno=63639

[phan_TOM]

Phil beat me to it medwyn but I would also recommend the geoscience Australia 'map reading guide', it's a great little resource for learning how to use topographic maps plus, as mentioned, the hard copy contains a decent transparent map card which is really useful for map reading.

If your want a bit more then I would highly recommend the 'map reading handbook' published by Land Information Services , DELM, Tasmania & the Tassie SES. It's basically a standard reference for all map users such as students, instructors, Search & Rescue etc and it covers map reading in greater depth than the guide (it is suitable for use throughout Aust by the way).

Once you learn to identify features on the map and visualize your location and route you will definitely add another dimension of appreciation and enjoyment to your trips.

[michael_p]

https://www.ga.gov.au/products/servlet/controller?event=GEOCAT_DETAILS&catno=63639

I love that guide. My street is on it.

This guide is a bit more advanced than the GA one: https://www.tasmap.tas.gov.au/do/product/MAPHABO.

[tastrax]

Agreed - but alas its not free to download but the OP may find that in a library.

[phan_TOM]

This guide is a bit more advanced than the GA one: https://www.tasmap.tas.gov.au/do/product/MAPHABO.

Yeah, that's the one I was referring too, the GA one is good for the basics but the tasmap one covers a lot more ground, well worth getting your hands on.

[medwyn]

Hi ALL,

Thank-you for all your posts, greatly appreciated!

I just ordered my "map reading handbook", looking forward to giving it a read.

Cheers,

Medwyn

[johnw]

I second both the tasmap guide, which I've had for years, and the rogaining idea. I've done a number of rogaines and they are an excellent and fun way to improve your nav skills. Particularly being able to read the terrain and estimate distances. There is a time pressure element which is something of a double edged sword. It forces you to get it right quickly, but in doing so it is also easier to stuff up. I'd like a dollar for every time we've been geographicallly embarrassed during a rogaine.

[Liamy77]

Also if you join either the SES or Volunteer Tas Fire Service you will get some navigation training, and better still meet more people who navigate around a bit as an extra option.... Good for the community too

[tonka]

If after reading the Nav books you are still having troubles you can contact me. I have had a fair amount of experience instructing and examining on Nav courses and I live in Melbourne's northern suburbs.

[icemancometh]

Also if you join either the SES or Volunteer Tas Fire Service you will get some navigation training, and better still meet more people who navigate around a bit as an extra option.... Good for the community too

Or the Army

[Rob A]

Its all about familarity, with both what you are doing and the gear you use.
Buy the topo map that covers where you live and practice, learn whatever kit you chose, and make all your mistakes in your own back yard and down the street.
When you are doing it right, then doing it right every day, you are less likely to make mistakes whan you are stressed or when the conditions arent perfect.

[kbm63]

Quote from Joe Simpsons book "This Game of Ghosts" (follow on book from Touching the Void )
"I've never fathomed out how to use a compass, relying instead on carefully selected partners with the ability to navigate themselves out of anywhere."