9. september (navigation)

8/10/2019 9. September (Navigation)

1/16

1SURVIVALLIFE .COM / MEMBERS

2014 The Ready Letter

From the Desk Of : Above Average JoeSenior Editor Of The Ready Letter

Dear Readers,Thank you for joining me for this months issue of The Ready Letter!This month is all about navigation.

Autumn is right around the corner and many of us will be spending alot more time outdoors.Whether youre out camping, hunting, or just on a hike, youd besurprised at just how quickly you can become disoriented and lostYou absolutely must have at least a basic knowledge of navigation ifyou plan on spending any time out doors.And what good is having a bug out location if you dont know how toget to it?There is a lot more to navigation than just nding northAnd how do you even nd north?Read on to nd out

Remember, Only the informed are ready.-Above Average JoeP.S. This guide is for informational Purposes only and is not nosubstitute for formal training in navigation
http://www.survivallife.com/members/http://www.survivallife.com/members/http://www.survivallife.com/members/http://www.survivallife.com/members/http://www.survivallife.com/members/http://www.survivallife.com/members/http://www.survivallife.com/members/


2/16


3/16



through an urban wasteland or a dense forest milesaway from the nearest road.

WHAT THIS GUIDE WILL TEACH YOU

This isnt a guidebook about using a standalone GPS

unit or downloading some app on your smartphone toget yourself out of trouble. You must assume that thesegadgets will fail to work following a catastrophic event.Maybe not right away but most likely in a matter ofdays you will be left without modern tools yet you stillmust know how to navigate the landscape successfullyif you want to survive.

The sun, moon and stars are all excellent ways toreliably determine direction. Even paper maps andcompasses can be used for years without batteries ordependency on cellular and/or GPS systems. Finally,there are even ways to look at plants, animals and othergeographical features to determine general direction.

Using these skills, it is entirely possible for anyone tomove through varied terrain with complete con dence.

Whether you need to avoid detection from potentiallydangerous assailants, nd a water source or locate a

predetermined bug-out location without modern tools,the information in this guide is designed to make you a

better wilderness navigator in the face of any threat.

Please keep in mind that this is simplya guidebook and for reference only.

Nothing beats real hands on training from a professional.

W hether taking a much needed vacationin the wilderness or escaping from theconsequences of civil unrest followinga catastrophic event, getting lost could lead to deathin a short amount of time. Modern technology has

provided society with plenty of tools like GPS units andsmartphones that make navigation practically effortless

but these tools can (and often do) fail.

This is especially true in a survival situation where GPSsystems and cellular networks are prone to failure. Even ifGPS satellites are still functioning in space, bad weather andatmospheric fallout can render these tools useless anyway.

Perhaps you were forced to bug-out before collecting

these electronic navigation aids. You know where youhave to go but how do you ensure you are traveling in theright direction? Even something as simple as running outof batteries, can make a GPS or smartphone navigationalaid as worthless as a paperweight.

Despite the many advances in electronic equipment which society now relies on almost exclusively, peoplefor thousands of years did not have the luxury of thesedevices. Instead, humans learned a long time ago howto navigate the land accurately using only the mostrudimentary of tools.

These techniques still work and are often used by backcountry hikers, hunters and other outdoorenthusiasts. By learning some of these skills it is nearlyimpossible to become lost whether you are navigating

Volume IV, Issue 10September 2014

Survival NavigationQuick Tips Guide


4/16


5/16



The stars can also give you an idea of the time. Thekey to this trick is simply to remember that every starrises and sets four minutes earlier each successivenight because the Earth revolves around the Sun.

So, for example, if you notice the star Arcturus rise at

7:40 on a Thursday evening, you know that when yousee Arcturus rise the following night it will be 7:36.This is helpful if you pay attention to the stars forprolonged periods in the wilderness because if your

watch suddenly stops working you can do some basicmath to gure out the time.

Although this may not seem like much help by itself, when combined with other celestial time-tellingmethods (covered in the following chapters) it is

relatively easy to have at least a pretty good idea ofthe time throughout the day and the night.

Just remember that every star rises and sets in thesame place every night. The only thing that changes isthe time when they appear. By just choosing one starand observing the time it rises every evening you willknow the time even if your watch or other electronicdevice fails.

The stars also provide a clock if you know how to readit. It is circular just like a standard watch face. Thedifference is that this clock moves counterclockwiseand is based on 24 hours instead of the 12 hoursfound on a normal watch face.

The two pointers stars of the Big Dipper that createthe imaginary line to Polaris are the hour hand.For example, if you are getting ready to sleep andnotice that the imaginary line from the Big Dipperto Polaris is facing down (6 oclock) and when youawake it is facing 2 oclock (remember it movescounterclockwise) it would be appear that four hourshave passed since you fell asleep. However, becausethis celestial clock operates on a 24 hour dial it thatmeans eight hours have actually passed. If you cansee the stars, you can gure out how much time haspassed at any time.

are always visible on a clear night) is the best way toensure you have found the North Star.

Once you have located the North Star, draw animaginary line to Earth and where that line touchesthe horizon is true north. It is so accurate that youcan even check your compass to make sure it hasnt

become demagnetized by comparing the reading onthe compass to where true north is based on yourobservation of this important navigational aid.

Telling Time by the StarsIn the Northern Hemisphere the North Star is theonly star necessary for nding North. From there itis relatively easy to estimate East, South and West.

You can get slightly more accurate bearings for otherdirections by again observing the stars. By watchingthe stars for a few minutes, you will notice that starsare consistently rising in the East, setting in the Westand moving in a downward facing arc to the South.


6/16


7/16



setting up a stick the same way as you did for the rst

method and mark the tip of the shadow with a rock

or twig. This time, however, use a piece of string or

rope to draw an arc that goes through the rst mark

and around the stick. Once the sun reaches high noon,

the shadow cast by the stick will disappear before

reappearing on the other side in the afternoon. When

the shadow reappears and touches the arc drawn

in the morning, mark that position and draw a line

connecting both points. This east-west line is much

more accurate but takes a long time to establish.

THE WATCH METHOD

Another popular method uses a standard analog watch

(one with hands). If you do not have a watch, you can

actually draw one on a circular piece of paper making

sure to draw the correct time on the clock face.

While this method will work anywhere, please note

that the further away from the equator you are, the

more accurate the direction will be.

Start by holding your watch horizontally and

orienting the hour hand so that it is facing the sun.

Now imagine cutting the angle between the hour

hand and the 12 oclock position in half. Extend this

imaginary line in both directions to get an accurate

north-south line. If you are unsure which end is

north, remember that the sun is in the eastern part of

the sky in the morning, due south at midday and in

the west in the afternoon.

This method assumes your watch is set for standard

time (not Daylight Savings Time). If your watch is set

for DST, cut the angle between the hour hand and the

one oclock position in half to nd the north-south line.

For the rst method, start by nding a stick approximately

3 feet in length. You also need to nd a spot level piece

of ground free of brush and other debris with access to

sunlight so the stick will cast a de nite shadow.

Press the stick into the ground so it stands up and mark with a small twig or rock the place where the tip of

the sticks shadow ends. No matter where you are on

Earth, this rst mark always represents west. Now wait

approximately 15 minutes. During this time the shadow

cast by the stick will move a few centimeters. Mark the

tip of the shadows new location and draw a line in the

dirt connecting both the rst and second marks.

Standing with the rst mark you made (west) to your

left and the second mark to your right, you should

now be facing North. This is a quick and relatively

accurate way to determine your bearing.

The second shadow tip method takes hours but results

in an almost perfectly true east-west line. Start by


8/16


9/16



One often overlooked aspect of using a compasseffectively is to ensure metal objects are kept away fromit at all times. Anything metal from a pocketknife to a

belt buckle to a pair of binoculars can distort the readingof the compass drastically. There are also naturalphenomenon that can affect the compass reading

including electrical storms and iron deposits in rock.

If it seems like the compass needle is movingerratically then it is most likely being in uenced bysome other source. You can check if it is somethingon your person by setting the compass down on theground and backing away from it. Once the needlehas come to rest, slowly approach the compass. If theneedle starts jumping around when you approach,start removing metal objects until the needle no

longer moves when you get near the compass.

Likewise, you should get into the habit of periodicallychecking your compass against known north. Thisis most easily accomplished in the evening by usingthe North Star as a reference. Just remember thatthis star indicates true north so there will be a slightdifference between where the compass needle pointsand where north is on the horizon but this is normal.

NAVIGATING WITH ONLY A COMPASS

Using just a compass is an effective way to navigatethrough backcountry wilderness (or an urbanenvironment) assuming you have a camp or other place

you want to return to after looking for food, fuel andother resources during the day. Its very easy to becomedisoriented and using a compass makes nding your

way back easy even if you dont have a map available.

Before leaving in the morning, nd a landmark inthe distance. This could be a large tree, mountain oreven a tall building. Take a compass reading and notethe bearing from camp to this location. To nd your

way back, simply calculate the back bearing. This isdone by adding 180 to your original bearing (if theoriginal bearing was less than 180) or subtracting180 (if the original bearing was more than 180).

(where Polaris is). It gets even more confusing becausemaps are usually drawn using geographical North so

when using a compass and a map together there is amargin of error present known as magnetic declination.

Fortunately, most good maps include a chart that

allows for magnetic declination allowing you to adjust your readings to account for this difference.

Dont get too confused by this though because unless you are traveling large amounts of distance thedifference between magnetic and true north shouldnt

be of much concern.

There are many types of compasses available withsome of the higher end models costing well over$100. Fortunately, all you need for general navigationis an orienteering compass. Commonly found insporting goods stores, these compasses have a clearplastic base with the compass being enclosed in arotating degree ring. There is a large direction oftravel arrow on the plastic base and measurements

which make using this type of compass with a mapespecially easy.

You can expect to spend about $10 for a decentorienteering compass and it should last forever unlessit becomes demagnetized somehow.

To use this type of compass, start by pointing thedirection of travel arrow at your destination. Then turnthe housing until the needle points to the N symbol.This is commonly referred to as orienting the compass.

The degree marking directly underneath the directionof travel arrow is the bearing you will travel to reach

your objective. All you need to do is keep the compass

at ensuring the needle continues to point to the Nsymbol. An easier way, however, is to make sure yourobjective is large enough and visible that you do notneed the compass in your hand constantly. Every 15minutes or so you can check the compass to ensure

you are still on course but the visible landmark onthe horizon usually makes it easy to follow a speci c

bearing over long distances.


10/16

10 SEPTEMBER 2014


ferrous metal. This should also be done by strokingthe metal across the magnet only in one direction.

If you have a battery and a small piece of insulatedelectric wire, you can polarize the piece of metal usingelectromagnetism. By making loose coils out of the

wire and attaching it to the ends of the battery, youcan slowly move the piece of metal through the coil.Please note that the battery should be at least two

volts (a AA battery is only 1.5 volts).

Once the metal has been magnetized, suspend it froma piece of hair or string. The metal should align itself

with the north-south line. You can also place themagnetized metal on a small piece of wood and oat itin a glass of water or a puddle if string is not available.

A more elaborate improvised compass can be madeusing a sewing needle (or other thin metallic object),a small plastic container and the silver tip from apen. Start by breaking the sewing needle in half andpushing one half through the plastic container toform a pivot point. Attach the pen tip to the center ofthe other half of the sewing needle using glue, meltedplastic or tree sap. Magnetize one end of this pieceand carefully place the pen tip on the pivot point.

Although this is more work than the rst design, thistype of compass should be much more accurate andnot uctuate quite as much making it a better choiceif the materials are available.

The MapThere are two types of maps you are likely to encounterin any outdoors situation: planimetric and topographic.Both types of maps are important for various reasons

but if you could choose only one type of map fornavigation then topographic maps are the way to go.

A planimetric map is good for planning a trip orlocating potential resources such as water sources orhunting opportunities. Topographic maps are used forpretty much everything else. These maps show you theshape of the land. A particular route may look good

If using this method for navigation, it is imperativethat you check your compass often to ensure youare still following the correct back bearing. Oftentrees, boulders, swamps and other obstacles can put

you off course enough to make you miss your targetdestination completely.

As a side note, you can also use a compass whenselecting a camping site. By facing your campsite eastit will receive the rst morning light of the sun. Thisis especially important when overnight temperaturesare cold and performing camp chores is more dif cult.Conversely, in warm weather you can position yourcampsite west so it takes longer for the area to receivedirect sunlight and become even warmer.

IMPROVISED COMPASSESUnfortunately, there may come a time when you needto nd your location and determine a heading but donot have access to a compass. As you will learn in thenext section, if you have access to high-quality mapsof the area you can often navigate without a compass

by using the map in conjunction with naturaldirection indicators.

But what if you dont have access to maps? Or evenif you do, you cant rely on the sun, stars and/ormoon because the weather is limiting visibility? Inthese instances, it may be necessary to construct animprovised compass using materials you have available.

If you have or can nd a small piece of ferrous (iron-containing) metal you can make a compass. A sewingneedle or at double-edged razor blade both work wellfor this purpose. You will also need a string or piece oflong hair to make a basic improvised compass.

First, the metal must be magnetized (also known aspolarization). This can be done by slowly stroking itacross a piece of silk or even your own hair. The trickis to only rub the metal against the silk or hair inone direction. After a few minutes of this, the metalshould be suf ciently polarized for use as a compass.If a magnet is available, it can also be used to polarize


11/16



contour lines. USGS quad maps usually use a 40 footcontour interval but any contour interval of 50 feet orless is suf cient for foot travel.

An easy way to measure distance on a topo map is touse a piece of string, a shoelace or even a thin pieceof paracord. Since your route is unlikely to go in astraight line (especially if you are following a trail)using a string allows you to measure the distance andthen straighten the string before comparing it to thescale of the map. This provides an accurate distancemeasurement regardless of how far you need to go.

The best way to use a topo map effectively is topractice. Purchase a couple of USGS quad maps for

your local area and use them when you have time.Once you become pro cient reading them, its likelooking at a 3D image of the terrain you are likely toencounter. Once you understand how to read themcorrectly, you can read any topo map equally as

well meaning that no matter where you are you cannavigate through the terrain even if you dont haveaccess to a compass.

until you realize there is a large canyon, mountain orother obstacle in the way. Often, planimetric mapsdo not show these details suf ciently enough to makeroute and navigation decisions.

MORE ABOUT TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS

Topographic (topo) maps come in many varieties butthe most important difference between all topo mapsis the scale. Scales range from 1:10,000 to 1:100,000(and sometimes even higher). The smaller the scale,the less detail will be shown on the map. Whilesmall-scale topo maps are good for getting a feel forthe general area, you need a large-scale topo map tosuccessfully map a route through the wilderness.

On a topo map with a scale of 1:24,000, one inch onthe map equals 24,000 inches on land (0.4 miles).On the same scale, one foot on the map equals24,000 feet, or 4.5 miles, on land. For most purposes,a 1:24,000 or 1:25,000 scale topo map is best fornavigation although in some remote areas like

Alaska the standard scale for navigation might be1:63,360. As a general rule, anything over 1:100,000is practically useless for navigation and is best used tounderstand the overall topography of a region; not a

speci c area where you are trying to survive.To read a topographic map, start by laying the mapat and orienting it properly. The top of the mapalways faces north. Along the sides of the map youcan nd useful information including the maps scale,the date the map was lasted updated (older maps maynot be entirely accurate due to changes in the terrainover time) and other useful information. One of the

best types of topo maps to use is the United States

Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle (quad) maps.These maps are perfect for navigating practicallyanywhere and the margins of these maps are full ofuseful information. Private companies like NationalGeographic also produce high-quality maps suitablefor navigation.

The contour interval of the map is also important.This refers to the elevation difference between


12/16

12 SEPTEMBER 2014


is more obvious when looking at a tree standing

alone in an opening but even then you may have to

walk completely around the tree to nd the southern

facing section.

Even the branches of a tree typically indicate

direction. Branches on the southern side of a tree

tend to grow horizontally while branches on the

northern side tend to grow vertically in search of

additional light.

If you know the prevailing winds in the area, the

shape of trees can also help decipher direction. Although winds can (and often do) blow from

different directions, most areas of the country have a

prevailing wind direction which usually combs the

tops of trees. Look at the tops of trees and you may

be able to get at least a rough estimate of direction

Chapter 4: Navigatingwith Nature

Although more dif cult than navigating usingthe sun, stars and moon, its entirely possible

to determine direction from nature if you know

what to look for. Learning how to read nature to

determine direction and bearing is a useful skill

often overlooked by people interested in learning

navigational techniques. This is most likely because

other factors also in uence nature. In other words,

natural directional indicators are not quite as

de nitive as celestial, magnetic or topographic ones.

That said, there is still a great deal you can learn

from nature especially when it comes to guring

out where you are and where youre going.

PlantsThere is an old adage stating that moss growing onone side of a tree indicates a northern direction but

this is not usually true. Moss often grows all the way

around a tree and if anything is often more lush and

dense on the southern facing side of the tree trunk.

Despite this misinformation, there are ways to look

at plants and trees to determine direction. Primarily,

this involves looking at how the sun impacts plants. You know that plants and trees need sun to thrive.

For this reason it shouldnt be any surprise that

most trees grow heavier on one side. If you notice

a tree that seems more robust on one side you know

that side of the tree faces south. This phenomenon


13/16


14/16

14 SEPTEMBER 2014


looking for you and nding you is nearly impossibleif you continue to move in the wrong direction. It isfor this reason that letting someone else know where

you are going is so important. If you leave camp inthe morning to hunt, let someone know which way

you are heading. If you become lost or injured, atleast others at camp will know which way to go whilesearching for you.

Likewise, if a search and rescue operation is initiated,the probability of being found is greatly increased if

you stay in a single area and wait. If anything, moveto an open area such as a lake or meadow (if one isnearby) to make it easier for search and rescue teamsto nd you.

Of course, in a survival situation following acatastrophic event there may not be any search andrescue efforts. This is why it is so important to alwaysknow where you are going, know how to read a mapeffectively and to constantly check your bearing whilemoving across the land.

If lost you can use signals to make locating yourposition easier. Smoke signals work very well and canoften be seen for miles. If a search and rescue effort isunderway, a signaling mirror is helpful for attractingthe attention of the pilot.

You can also arrange landscape debris such as fallenlogs into symbols that are visible from the air to makelocating your position easier for air crews.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that signalingmay not always be appropriate. If you are hiding from

Chapter 5: What If YouDo Get Lost?

In a survival situation, panic can often overtake your better judgment, even if just for a few minutes. Whennavigating in the wilderness, however, it only takes afew minutes to become disoriented and lost. Gettingseparated from the rest of your group can be especiallystressful and unfortunately, many people panic at thispoint which almost always makes the situation worse.

The rst thing you need to do if you become lost oreven if you think you might be lost is to sit down. Itsimportant to stay calm and assess your situation.Look at nearby landmarks and think about where

you were when you last knew your exact location.Often, you can gure out where to go just using thisinformation. Navigating in this manner is known asdead reckoning. It is how many animals navigate andit is very easy to do.

An example of dead reckoning would be if you walked10 yards north, then walked 10 yards east and nally 10

yards south. How far and in what direction would youhave to walk to reach your original starting location?The answer, of course, is 10 yards west. This principlecan be applied on a much larger scale with practice.

If dead reckoning isnt working, look at your mapand compass. This is where pro ciency in reading atopo map really comes in handy. Look for landmarksin your surroundings (it helps if you can get to highground with a 360 view of the terrain) and match

those landmarks up with your map. You should beable to determine your location very quickly and fromthere devise a course to meet back up with your partyor at least get back to camp.

Staying StillIf you are still unable to gure out where you are,dont move. If you are with others, they may begin


15/16


16/16

16 SEPTEMBER 2014

We are always curious to know

what you think about each issue ofLamplighter and the information we provide. Please send us all of

your feedback at:[email protected]

Sneak peaks at some of the new and exciting survival tools.

CD Versions of our interviews with the top Preppers &Survivalists! Special access to new reports and courses, only for ourmembers. and much, MUCH more...

Coming Up In Future Issues...

Until next month, make small forward steps every day in your preparations www.SurvivalLife.com/Gridlock &

www.SurvivalLife.com/Lamplighters-Special

Let Us Know What You Think!

WWW .S URVIVALLIFE.COM / LL-BUSHMASTER

Join one of the top survival instructors in the US as heshares for the rst time on video the 7 essential survivaltraining modules youll need to keep yourself and your

family alive when the going gets tough in the wilderness.

THE BUSHMASTER BIBLE

NEVER GET LEFT OUT IN THE COLD AGAIN.GET YOUR S URVIVAL LIFE BASE CAMP KIT NOW!

This new all in one kit gives you all the basics to survive a night in the wild

and right now its yours for 20% off !

Just use Offer code: TRL92014 at checkout for your specialdiscount.

Click the link below for all the details and to grab your Base Camp Kit Today!

http://survivallife.com/basecamp
mailto:feedback%40survivallife.com?subject=https://secure.survivallife.com/products/gone-before-gridlock/index-vsl.php?utm_source=Survival%20Life&utm_medium=Physical%20Newsletter%20Ad&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=[SL-GBG][LamplighterAd][2013]&Contact0LeadSourceId=10487https://secure.survivallife.com/products/home-survival-course/index-c-pop.php?utm_source=Lamplighter%20Newsletter&utm_medium=Newsletter%20Ad&utm_term=&utm_content=HSC&utm_campaign=[LL-HSC][NewsletterAd][Apr2013]&Contact0LeadSourceId=6034http://www.survivallife.com/lamplighters-specialhttp://www.survivallife.com/lamplighters-specialhttp://www.survivallife.com/lamplighters-specialhttp://www.survivallife.com/lamplighters-specialhttp://www.survivallife.com/lamplighters-specialhttp://www.survivallife.com/lamplighters-specialhttp://www.survivallife.com/lamplighters-specialhttp://www.survivallife.com/lamplighters-specialhttp://survivallife.com/basecamphttp://survivallife.com/basecamphttp://survivallife.com/basecamphttp://survivallife.com/basecamphttp://survivallife.com/basecamphttp://www.survivallife.com/lamplighters-specialhttps://secure.survivallife.com/products/home-survival-course/index-c-pop.php?utm_source=Lamplighter%20Newsletter&utm_medium=Newsletter%20Ad&utm_term=&utm_content=HSC&utm_campaign=[LL-HSC][NewsletterAd][Apr2013]&Contact0LeadSourceId=6034https://secure.survivallife.com/products/gone-before-gridlock/index-vsl.php?utm_source=Survival%20Life&utm_medium=Physical%20Newsletter%20Ad&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=[SL-GBG][LamplighterAd][2013]&Contact0LeadSourceId=10487mailto:feedback%40survivallife.com?subject=

9. september (navigation)

Documents