Navigation Course

Have you ever paused on a trail and wondered how much further? Or What the terrain behind that ridge looks like? If you are planning to head out hiking the use of maps and navigation tools are essential to enjoying your day without stress and will allow you to push a bit harder and further to try new adventures.  

Do I need to choose between old school navigation and new technology, or can I use both, if so, how, when and why?

There are many precise satellite-based technologies in today’s world but what happens if the device fails, you lose your signal, or your batteries die?  You need to know how to get back to basics with a map & compass.

This course will teach you map and compass basics and will guide you through the overwhelming digital world with advice on which navigation apps are best suited for your purpose.

Topics Covered:

• How to Read and Use a Map.

• Map Elements (scale, grid reference, legends).

• Map Grid System (Latitude and Longitude, UTM).

• Declination & Bearings.

• How to Measure Distance on the Map.

• How to Measure Altitude on the Map.

• Compass Use.

• Navigation Aid Systems (GPS, Beacons and Phones).

• Navigation Aid Systems (Use and Limitations).

• Digital Tools and Apps (Pro and Cons, New 3D Apps).

• Data (How to use it, store it and share it).

• How to Plan using digital tools.

• How to Travel using digital tools.

• Planning a Route (Difficulties, Main Hazards).

• Calculating Travel Time.

• Connecting Maps and Apps.

• Travelling and keeping track of time and place.

• How to find yourself.

• Identifying map features in the terrain.

• Managing the terrain.

The Map & Compass Program include:

• Professional ACMG Mountain Guide.

• Safety equipment: Bear Spray, Communication Device, First Aid Kit.

• Navigation Skills Booklet.

• Reading material and educational tools.

The Map & Compass Program does not include:

• Transportation / Meals

You Will Need to bring:

• A compass with adjustable declination. (Ex. Suunto MCB NH, Suunto M-3 NH or Silva Ranger S)

• A 1:50.000 map of the Course area. (Such as Canmore and Kananaskis Village Gem Trek)

• A day pack to carry your gear, extra layers, lunch/snacks, and water.

• Sturdy shoes.

• Long pants.

• A light small tarp to sit on the ground. (Optional)

Program:

• Full-Day (8 Hours – Beginning at 830am)

• Location: Kananaskis / Canmore

• Cost: $135.00 + GST per person.

• Minimum Group Size 4 - Maximum Group Size 8.

 *** If you have a private group this program can be run in Calgary, Kananaskis, Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper.

Additional information

Please keep in mind that prior to to heading out for our navigation skills program all participants are required to read and agree to waiver terms and conditions prior to booking completion. A copy of which can be found paramount-guides.com/waivers