Grasp that navigation is the process of planning and executing a journey from one place to another.
Understand that navigation uses landmarks, occasionally supplemented with tools, such as maps, compasses, and GPS units.
Comprehend that good navigational skills are essential when travelling through unfamiliar areas or on off-road adventures.

Key Terminology

Learn and understand essential terminology such as latitude, longitude, bearing, azimuth, grid reference, and waypoint.
Latitude and longitude are a coordinate system used to locate any point on the Earth’s surface.
The bearing is the direction to a target measured in degrees from north and usually in a clockwise direction.
An azimuth is similar to a bearing but is measured in degrees from true north, not magnetic north.
A grid reference relates to a specific grid square on a map.
A waypoint is a reference point used in navigation, often to mark specific locations along the journey.

Choosing a Route

The first stage of planning a navigation course is to choose a route.
Be aware of each route’s individual challenges, including distance, elevation changes, vegetation, and water hazards.
Benchmark your expected speed, and calculate estimated journey times based on the type of terrain and fitness level.
Choose routes that are within your physical abilities and compatible with the navigational tools available to you.

Learn how to accurately read maps and use a compass.
Recognise topographic maps represent three-dimensional terrain in two dimensions. Contour lines represent elevation change, while colours and symbols represent terrain and landmarks.
Understand the concepts of magnetic north and true north, and know how to adjust for declination – the difference between the two.
Learn to take a bearing from a map, which gives a definite route to follow.

Understand the potential benefits and limitations of GPS.
Recognise that while GPS can provide exact location, speed, and direction, it requires power and satellite reception.
Keep in mind that GPS should not replace traditional navigation methods but supplement them.

Always double-check measurements and locations, an error in navigation can lead to significant problems.
Learn to recognise and correct errors, for example, confusion between magnetic north and true north, misreading map symbols or grid references.
Gain skills in navigational relocation, methods used to determine your location when lost.
Verify the route is as expected using prominent landmarks. Always cross-check location against the map or GPS if unsure.

Stay aware of your location and surroundings at all times during the journey.
Regularly check off landmarks and points on the map as you reach them.
Be ready to adapt the plan if conditions change or unexpected problems arise. Always have contingency plans in place.