Orienteering
Read the Map. Trust the Terrain. Stay Found.
Orienteering Library
Choose a Guide
Start with the fundamentals, then build practical navigation skills through pacing, compass use, natural direction finding, topographic map reading, declination, bearings, route planning, and responsible use of GPS and smartphones.
Orienteering Fundamentals
Build a complete navigation mindset: know where you are, where you are going, how far you will travel, and what terrain clues will confirm your position.
Read Guide 02 Distance & EstimationPacing and Field Estimation
Calibrate your pace count and practice Scout field-estimation methods for distance, obstacle width, and object height.
Read Guide 03 Compass SkillsChoosing and Using a Compass
Choose an appropriate compass, learn its parts, avoid magnetic interference, and practice taking and following bearings accurately.
Read Guide 04 Natural DirectionFinding Direction Without a Compass
Practice approximate backup methods using the sun, shadows, stars, and an improvised magnetic needle while learning which navigation myths not to trust.
Read Guide 05 Map ReadingReading Topographic Maps
Read map scale, symbols, contours, terrain shapes, and route distance so the paper map becomes a picture of the ground around you.
Read Guide 06 Map OrientationOrienting a Map and Understanding Declination
Match the map to the ground, understand true versus magnetic north, use current declination, and cross-check the compass with visible terrain.
Read Guide 07 Navigation TechniquesBearings and Orienteering Techniques
Move beyond basic bearings with attack points, handrails, catching features, map thumbing, aiming off, and back bearings.
Read Guide 08 Route PlanningRoute Planning and Staying Found
Break routes into checkpoints, plan for hazards and decision points, stop when the map stops matching, and use the group emergency plan if truly lost.
Read Guide 09 Digital NavigationGPS and Digital Navigation
Prepare offline maps and backup power, understand GPS limitations and coordinate formats, and use electronics to confirm rather than replace navigation thinking.
Read GuideKnowledge Today. Adventure Tomorrow.
