Map Reading & Navigation
The simple fact of the matter is that nobody uses maps these days. With a huge number of apps available on mobile devices, and with EVERYONE have mobile phones, surely the days of the old paper map are long gone ?
If this is what you think, then you are mistaken.
It is fair to say that most people will probably never have to use a map, but where navigation is a critical element of what you do, than map reading and navigation using a map and compass are essential skills.
Some of the emergency services, and armed forces must all know how to use a map and compass. Of course they, like us, use GPS technology most of the time, but there are times when that technology can fail us, and so being able to read a map and work out "where we are" and "how we can get to where we need to be" are skills at which they need to be competent.
Mobile batteries do not last long, especially is using power intensive apps like Google Maps, What3Words or Waze, and cold weather can drain mobile batteries very quickly. If you are stuck somewhere that is unfamiliar to you, and your mobile phone battery is low ... you could be in trouble ! Add to that the fact that mobile signal reception is patchy, especially in rural areas like the Borders, the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway, and many other areas of Scotland, and you can see that the chances of finding yourself lost and with no means of finding your way home are not, perhaps, as low as you mighty think.
Below, you will find a series of videos covering everything from Basic map-reading skills to fairly advanced navigation using a map and compass.
If, instead, you would prefer to read a guide on basic map-reading (but not navigation) from Ordinance Survey, then download the file at
Mountain Rescue operation in Skye. Click the image to left to watch the video.
Part 1 - Understanding Map Symbols
Steve Backshall and Ordinance Survey take us through some of the common map symbols.
Part 2 - Choosing the right map.
Steve Backshall and Ordinance Survey look at different kinds of maps.
Part 3 - 4 figure grid references.
Steve Backshall and Ordinance Survey explain how to identify a location using a 4 figure grid reference..
Part 4 - 6 figure grid references.
Steve Backshall and Ordinance Survey explain how to identify a location using a 6 figure grid reference ... a much more precise way of identifying a location.
Part 5 - Contour lines - what are they and how do you understand them ?
Steve Backshall and Ordinance Survey explain how to understand contour lines on maps. These are height lines ... watch the video to fnd out more.
Part 6 - Magnetic North - just one of three norths !
Steve Backshall and Ordinance Survey explain the concept of 'magnetic north'. There are three 'norths' ... it sounds confusing, but watch the video to find out how it all works !
Part 7 - Features of a Compass.
Steve Backshall and Ordinance Survey explain what a compass is, and how to use one.
Part 8 - Navigation - Taking a Compass bearing.
Steve Backshall and Ordinance Survey explain how to take a compass bearing.
Part 9 - Navigation - Taking a Back bearing.
Taking a back bearing is an important aspect of navigating when using a map. The video below (not from Steve Backshall and Ordinance Survey) explains how we go about undertaking this particular activity.
Part 10 - Navigation - Triangulation.
Triangulation is an extremely accurate way of identifying where you are. It's not difficult to do, but it does require a degree of accuracy when working.
Points to ponder ...
Navigation using a compass is NOT something you are going to teach children.
Or is it ?
In a Nursery or playgroup setting, no ...
But what if you were a volunteer leader with the Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs or Brownies ? You may well want to teach them some basic mapping skills, and what if you are a volunteer with older children at a youth club ... map-reading and compass work might be something that some of them might be interested in !
Having an idea of these skills, even though you may feel that you, yourself, will never use them, might still be useful as we teach the adults of tomorrow.
We will always need emergency and armed services personnel, and they need to be able to use a map and compass.
Who knows ... a wee session you do on map-reading or using a compass in nursery may well set a child off on a path to a future career ?
How cool would THAT be ?