When walking alone in a jungle of true darkness, three things can show you the way: your instinct to survive, the knowledge of navigation, and creative imagination. Without them, you are lost. – Toba Beta
Most of us love to travel and seek for adventures, but when going out on manicured trails and the mesmerizing wild one, you should be proficient in your navigation skills. If things make a bad turn and the path ahead is unclear, your safety and comfort will depend upon your ability to navigate.
Old Friends – the compass and map
Anyone who loves hiking and makes times for these adventures is likely aware of the most important items to carry with them – at the top of that list are a compass and map. The map is of limited use if you do not have a compass to point you in the right direction. Many explorers and sailors used nature's help like the sun, wind, and stars as their guide, and later compass played its role as a tried and tested navigational instrument. The compass is a simple, portable, and effective navigational guide and has been for centuries. Its main purpose is to indicate the magnetic North and does not require any battery source, making it useful in the roughest of circumstances.
A compass will align you to a specific direction while a map will help indicate the path ahead; they are often inseparable and will be of limited use if either is not present. A compass may be tricky to use and you may need some initial training and practice. However, it is a simple tool to learn and a lifelong skill worth acquiring.
Before journeying on your first compass-and-map guided adventure, study the instruments and take guidance from the expertise of friends or online resources.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Navigational devices have come a long way since the days of Columbus and Magellan, and the evolution of the technology discovered a new universal tool in the form of GPS. GPS (Global Positioning System) uses a satellite to catch signals and get access to your location, operated by thousands of satellites flying beyond earth’s atmosphere. The satellites provide geolocation and time information to a GPS receiver nearly anywhere on earth.
Pros and Cons
A standard GPS device is simple to use. It will not require the user to enter any data, it is easy to carry, highly functional, and works as an electronic equivalent a map and compass. A GPS is often loaded with good topographical maps, easier and faster as compared to the old fashioned tools.
But what if you get lost in the wild and have weakened signals due to interruptions by trees or weather? What will happen when you are exploring the cliffs and your GPS battery dies quicker than expected due to cold temperatures and extended? At this moment my friend, you will realize that a compass and map is not only for the old school trekkers.
Centuries have passed, but the necessity of the compass remains. When your survival is at stake, a compass and map become vital on your adventures. While a GPS may be efficient and more useful, their reliability is not infallible. You should always be backed up by accurate and proficient navigational tools – your old friends, the map and compass.