by L. Woodrow Ross

Created on: June 12, 2008   Last Updated: July 23, 2008

Global positioning systems are great tools, but map and compass will provide the same type of information and actually have some advantages over GPS. The key advantage is that a compass does not require batteries. A GPS does and if the batteries fail, the unit is useless.

Using map and compass versus GPS requires that the user understands how to use a compass and map to navigate. When plotting a course on a map, the user must adjust for declination. This is the difference between true north and magnetic north. Depending on what part of the country you are in, the declination factor will be different. This requires some research on the part of the user and making the adjustment when taking readings.

In the field, a traveler can plot a course by taking a bearing on an identifiable landmark that is in the direction he wishes to travel. By marking the bearing or setting the indicator on the compass, he can follow this course even when he loses sight of the landmark. When that landmark is reached, another bearing is taken and so on until the final destination is reached.

When using a compass that is dependent on magnetic attraction of the indicator needle, be sure to not have any concentration of metallic objects close to the compass when taking readings.

Accurate topographic maps are the best to use in conjunction with the compass. They show the elevation and most key topographic features that you can use to navigate.

Another tool that is good to use in addition to a compass is an altimeter. With the altimeter and the compass, it is very easy to plot a course around a mountain that minimizes the amount of climbing up and down elevations. This minimizes the expenditure of energy and makes the travel much easier.

A good example of using compass and altimeter together would be if a big game hunter was in a remote area on a mountain and killed an elk or deer. If he had to leave it and come back and find it later, he would record the elevation, and use the compass to return to camp. When he made the return trip, he would use the compass to get to the general vicinity and then home in on the exact elevation. By staying at that elevation and following it around the side of the mountain, he would easily find the animal.

Another advantage of the compass is that they are more durable. GPS systems are fragile and some are not waterproof. That means they may fail when you need them the most.

Compass and map are generally a lot less expensive than GPS units. That makes it much easier for the new outdoor traveler to purchase and stock the items that they need to enjoy the outdoors.

If you use a GPS, it is not a bad idea to have a compass and topo map for back-up. For my money, it is hard to beat a good compass.

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