1 Navigation
Online training materials to help you navigate like a pro
Ordnance Survey (OS)
Learn how to read a map – a page of short guides for beginners, covering map and compass
Map reading from beginner to advanced
Check that you know the map symbols used on OS maps
OS 25K Maps legend – key to symbols etc (PDF – check Downloads)
On YouTube
View all the following short videos on the use of map and compass.
- Choosing the right map with Steve Backshall and Ordnance Survey – YouTube 1:16
- Understanding map symbols with Steve Backshall and Ordnance Survey – YouTube 0:56
- Understanding contour lines with Steve Backshall and Ordnance Survey – YouTube 1:15
- How to take a 4-figure grid reference with Steve Backshall and Ordnance Survey – YouTube 1:53
- How to take a 6-figure grid reference with Steve Backshall and Ordnance Survey – YouTube 2:07
- Features of a compass with Steve Backshall and Ordnance Survey – YouTube 1:57
- How to take a compass bearing with Steve Backshall and Ordnance Survey – YouTube 1:33
- Understanding magnetic north with Steve Backshall and Ordnance Survey 1:17
Then learn how to take and walk a bearing:
- Taking and Walking a Bearing YouTube 5:06
Then look at Distance, Timing and Pacing:
- Distance, Timing and Pacing YouTube 4:43
Finally, view this longer video showing how to put all the different skills together.
Glenmore Lodge
Here is a complete set of short videos, going from basic to advanced. Everybody can learn something from this!
- Choosing the right compass
- Setting your map to the ground
- Understanding pacing as a key navigational aid
- Using tick off features to improve your navigation
- Taking a bearing from the map to reach your target point
- Taking the bearing of a line feature to confirm your location
- Using slope aspect to pin point your location
- Using timing to improve your navigation
- Combining our navigational skills to complete an entire leg