Let’s talk old-school navigation

Alan

Alan

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Hey everyone, I'm wondering how many of you still get around without GPS. Ever used a map, compass or even just the sun to figure out where you are? It's a good skill to have. So if you've got any tips, tools or stories about getting lost and finding your way back? Share here
 
I totally depend on GPS. If my phone dies, I'm lost! I keep saying I'll learn how to use a map and compass but I always just use tech instead
 
Yes I usually pull up the gps map, but I just use it as a map, not gps. I got a suntuu compass and some maps and learned all the basics. I find it enjoyable, but I don't use it as my primary means of navigation
 
I’m old enough to have used the USGS Topo maps and a compass before GPS was around. Of course working for a survey company at the time helped a lot. As time rolled on I worked for and retired from a multi state utility where I was involved in building a GIS system. So understanding coordinate systems and how to use GPS equipment was part of my job.

As for stories, all old hunters and fishermen have good stories.
 
when i travel , i always take a map and compass. that was my kids first memory was momma mocking me . that i had a compass and map in the car driving down to the outer banks. the best compass i have had so farm is the suunto mc2 global. i think i am at 5 years now and no bubbles yet.
 
The last time I tried using a map, I got totally lost! I think my sense of direction quit on me a long time ago. Maybe I need to leave a trail of breadcrumbs like Hansel and Gretel next time. 😂
 
sand sock said:
when i travel , i always take a map and compass. that was my kids first memory was momma mocking me . that i had a compass and map in the car driving down to the outer banks. the best compass i have had so farm is the suunto mc2 global. i think i am at 5 years now and no bubbles yet.
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I think that's the one I have. Only had mine about two years but it's in good shape for how bad I beat my equipment up. I got a really good deal on it.... Some outdoor store was going out of business and everything was like 50% off
 
I noticed that I wasn't expanding my "geographical" awareness with gps. I drive a lot for work .... And it's often in new areas. I realized that I don't pay attention to where/how I'm going.... And if I had to drive the same route again I wouldn't be able to do it off memory. I just kind of zone out and wait for the gps to tell me when to turn. I don't keep track of landmarks/direction.
 
more_ammo said:
I noticed that I wasn't expanding my "geographical" awareness with gps. I drive a lot for work .... And it's often in new areas. I realized that I don't pay attention to where/how I'm going.... And if I had to drive the same route again I wouldn't be able to do it off memory. I just kind of zone out and wait for the gps to tell me when to turn. I don't keep track of landmarks/direction.
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I know exactly what you mean, GPS makes it too easy to tune out but have you tried going without it for short trips just to see if your sense of direction starts to come back?
 
Oh yea. I miss turns and everything. I usually just pull up the map and have it plot the route/directions but i won't have it guide me. I just use it for reference... Kind of how map quest used to be. It's one of those things that I get disgusted with myself for how soft and reliant it makes you ... But it's just so convenient
 
Try the old Boy Scout manual on Orientering if you want a ground up understanding.
( )

I used to teach the course when we lived in Southern Utah.
 
more_ammo said:
Oh yea. I miss turns and everything. I usually just pull up the map and have it plot the route/directions but i won't have it guide me. I just use it for reference... Kind of how map quest used to be. It's one of those things that I get disgusted with myself for how soft and reliant it makes you ... But it's just so convenient
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I get that completely, it’s crazy how easy it is to rely on tech these days
 

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