Where does a guy learn maps, gps, etc??

[KSdan]

One skill I never developed with any depth of proficiency has been map skills, gps etc.  What is the best way an almost-50 year old can learn some of this stuff.  I know I need to just go use the stuff- but classes, good books, internet???

Thanks in advance

Dan

[Yellow Dog]

A pretty good book that helped me out was "GPS Land Navigation" by Michael Ferguson.

[Hamish]

Hi Dan, Bit late to join the Army and even more late to join the Scouts LOL. Just buy a GPS they come with a user manual and are getting very user friendly these days. I like to jump on "Google Earth" to find where i want to hunt and mark the spots of interest ie water holes ect.. then print it off for a reference. Once the locations are entered in the gps select which one you want to go to and push "GOTO" and it will point a arrow and tell you how far away it is and how long it will take you to get there at current speed ect.. Plus a millon other things.

[Deadsmple]

Dan,
you might want to check with your local community college if they offer anything like that. I know that sometimes the one near me has offered classes on map navigation before.

[Bucksnort101]

I've got a Word Document that covers the use of a compass and map pretty well in just a few pages. If you want me to send you a copy I would be happy to do so. I have it on a Zip dirve at work so I will have to pick it up.

[rg176bnc]

I think I have a video you can have shows how to use a Lowrance i finder model.  It will at the least get you familiar w/ the lingo.  Not a bad model either.  I work in KC.  Let me know if your interested.

[Mike Orton]

The retailer REI offers classes in both lad navigation and GPS usage at reasonable fees.

[Dave Schneider]

I like "Using a Map and Compass" by Don Geary.  Covers map and compass navigation and just touches on GPS.  I think GPS was just coming on when it was written.  Very good book on basic map and compass use.

An exercise I like to do is to take off navigating with map and compass.  When I stop to verify my position on the map I check my accuracy with the GPS.  Like having your homework graded by an electronic teacher.  I have been places where I could not get a GPS signal so both skills are good to have.

You should check out mapping the outdoors and mytopo.com.  They have all kinds of maps including satalite images with topo lines layed ontop.  

I have been on one bowhunt that turned into a serious man hunt, search dogs and all.  It is important to know how to get back to the truck.

[Dartwick]

Look at your local state parks sometimes the rangers run basic GPS courses.

I have always been a map guy since I was kid so using a GPS came pretty quick to me but I saw it help my dad a great deal to do a hands on course.

[KSdan]

Thanks again guys- great links and information

[Outwest]

Dan
Try this there might some info there that will help.  www.kifaru.net/forums.htm

John

[econnell71]

Just go by your local national guard armory (they are never doing anything) and talk to the NCOIC or call, ask them if they could have someone to spend some time with you, and teach you some land nav on maps and compass, It will give you a understanding, then go get a topographical map with a ref. and a compass and you are set, Or I can send you the Army Land Nav FM manual via email.

[Bear Heart]

www.landnavigation.org
This is a one stop shop for all knowledge on land nav.  After that it is all about boots on the ground practice.

[ksbowman]

Dan, the Cabelas and Bass pro stores in KC have GPS classes every now and then.Give them a call and they will tell you when the next one is.If you want company I'll go along and I'm sure I could find some other tradgangers that would to.  Ben

[Matty]

Check your Local REI they offer free courses all the time

[Strutter]

Here's a site that is easy to use and learn from.


 http://www.maptools.com/

Rob

[Fletcher]

Many areas have local orienteering clubs.  Compass and maps are what they do.

[Jon Stewart]

Check with Bennett Marine (310-827-8064) out of Venice Cal.  They have instructional DVD's on almost every GPS made.  I bought one for my Garmin Etrex Vista cX.  Check Bennet Marine on Google and they will come up.

[KSdan]

This is awesome guys-thanks.

[BlueBarred]

This is a great place to get going:  http://www.kifaru.net/plot_blust.htm
Dick Blust really knows how to present his knowledge well. Then it's getting out in the field and working with your maps. Check with REI and your local Parks and Recreation for field trips. Good luck, having this knowledge/skill will completely change the way you get around in the woods.