by zippetydude » Wed Jun 01, 2016 6:06 pm
The story was picked up by NPR today as part of a technology and nature story. They always mention that you need to know how to use a map and compass...um, this may sound dumb, but as long as you know the top of the map points north, the needle on the compass points north, and the contour lines on a topo indicate elevation change, isn't this a self-taught sort of skill? The first time I ever went backpacking my dad and I used both for navigating, neither of us ever having taken a class or been instructed in it. We just looked at it, interpreted it, and made our way around with clarity and ease. Now, to be fair we were in the Sierra and had ample visibility so we could make out notable peaks, etc., which is not likely on the Appalachian Trail. That being said, it should be pretty easy to determine the general direction of the trail from your map, and to simply hike in the direction that the trail must be...even if you're wrong, you can follow your compass back in the other direction or leave marks to find your way back to your initial point where you found you were lost. I know that you're supposed to stay put as soon as you realize you're lost, but after a few days it's time to try something different...sitting in one spot and starving to death would be hellish.
So, anyway, do people avoid using a map and compass because they think it's highly technical? I learned the constellations the same way...I bought a copy of Sky and Telescope, walked out back, looked up at the sky, and learned where they were. It takes about 10 seconds to learn how to find the North Star... This is not a skill requiring tons of instruction or amazing intelligence. I wonder if it isn't just intimidating or sounds more confusing than it is?
z