Learn Map & Compass with Andrew Skurka, Part 2: Find and transfer bearings in the field and on a map

In our first video on map & compass, National Geographic “Adventurer of the Year” Andrew Skurka explained how to adjust for declination with a magnetic compass. Watch it now, https://youtu.be/NWaR_hWqm4E.

Once you know how to adjust for declination, you can orient a map (also explained in the first video), and find and transfer bearings in the field and on a map (the subject of this video). Learning map and compass is a critical for hikers, backpackers, hunters, and many others -- with these and other navigation skills, it’s difficult to travel far or confidently from trailheads and well maintained trails.

Finding a bearing can also be called “taking” or “shooting” a bearing. Transferring a bearing is also known as “transposing” or “plotting” a bearing.

To learn how to find a transfer bearings in the field and on a map, it is best to learn four steps independently:
* Find a bearing in the field
* Transfer a bearing in the field
* Find a bearing on map
* Transfer a bearing to a map

But in practice, two of these steps are always combined. Specifically, you may find a bearing in the field from your current location to a magnificant peak, and then transfer that bearing to the map to learn the name of that peak. Or, you may find a bearing on a map from your current location (although it does not need to be) to a secluded lake, and then transfer that bearing in the field so that you can begin walking in its direction.

These two videos represent the extent of useful compass skills. Triangulation is another skill that you will hear about, but it's primary purpose is to "find" yourself after you've become twisted around. It's better to "stay found" by always comparing what you're observing in the field with what you were expecting. If there are inconsistencies between your navigation data from your watch, altimeter, map, compass, and GPS, stop and figure it out.

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