Let’s talk old-school navigation

Alan

Alan

Administrator
Staff member
Admin
Moderator
Joined
Feb 21, 2025
Messages
70
Hey everyone, I'm wondering how many of you still get around without GPS. Ever used a map, compass or even just the sun to figure out where you are? It's a good skill to have. So if you've got any tips, tools or stories about getting lost and finding your way back? Share here
 
I totally think knowing how to use a map and compass is super important. I still keep a paper map in my backpack when I hike, just in case my phone loses power. It's a good backup plan, and makes me pay closer attention to where I am.
 
Farr said:
I totally think knowing how to use a map and compass is super important. I still keep a paper map in my backpack when I hike, just in case my phone loses power. It's a good backup plan, and makes me pay closer attention to where I am.
Click to expand...
Agreed, I still carry a road atlas when I travel by car.
 
Alan said:
Hey everyone, I'm wondering how many of you still get around without GPS. Ever used a map, compass or even just the sun to figure out where you are? It's a good skill to have. So if you've got any tips, tools or stories about getting lost and finding your way back? Share here
Click to expand...
WHen SHTF just head south. YOu may still die but at least you'll die warm.
 
Funny, I was just reminiscing on another forum about the old-school USGS 15-minute quadrangle topographic maps I used to love to pore over. Dad taught surveying in addition to forestry, so we learned to use compasses early in the game and of course in Scouts.
 
Billinthedesert said:
Funny, I was just reminiscing on another forum about the old-school USGS 15-minute quadrangle topographic maps I used to love to pore over. Dad taught surveying in addition to forestry, so we learned to use compasses early in the game and of course in Scouts.
Click to expand...
That’s awesome, those old USGS maps were works of art. Do you still have any of those vintage quads, or have you switched over to newer digital topo maps these days?
 
I had been collecting them for years back in Oregon, but gave them away when I moved to the Southwest. I had notes on a lot of them. Might have bought my first one at the original REI in Seattle in the late 1960s. Creaky wood floors and Everest team members helping customers.
 
I learned my navigation skills in Boy Scouts; I used my scout compass throughout my military service. Back in college (74-78) we had an orienteering club that competed with other schools. I was also in college ROTC taking my officer's training: I ran the orientation course using mostly map recognizance. As an Artillery Officer, the skills helped me tremendously. Map-reading skills also got me a great gig cruising around Germany.
I still have topo maps of NM, Texas, and Germany, and the original US maps and paperwork for ordering these from the government. I even have some special maps made of Ft. Hood.
Ahhhhhhhhh.......the good old days. Thanks for reviving those memories. And yes, they were works of art.
 
HD-Ghost said:
I learned my navigation skills in Boy Scouts; I used my scout compass throughout my military service. Back in college (74-78) we had an orienteering club that competed with other schools. I was also in college ROTC taking my officer's training: I ran the orientation course using mostly map recognizance. As an Artillery Officer, the skills helped me tremendously. Map-reading skills also got me a great gig cruising around Germany.
I still have topo maps of NM, Texas, and Germany, and the original US maps and paperwork for ordering these from the government. I even have some special maps made of Ft. Hood.
Ahhhhhhhhh.......the good old days. Thanks for reviving those memories. And yes, they were works of art.
Click to expand...
I bet you spent time in scenic Lawton, OK.
 
HD-Ghost said:
I learned my navigation skills in Boy Scouts; I used my scout compass throughout my military service. Back in college (74-78) we had an orienteering club that competed with other schools. I was also in college ROTC taking my officer's training: I ran the orientation course using mostly map recognizance. As an Artillery Officer, the skills helped me tremendously. Map-reading skills also got me a great gig cruising around Germany.
I still have topo maps of NM, Texas, and Germany, and the original US maps and paperwork for ordering these from the government. I even have some special maps made of Ft. Hood.
Ahhhhhhhhh.......the good old days. Thanks for reviving those memories. And yes, they were works of art.
Click to expand...
It sounds like you had some cool experiences. Those old maps are gold and nothing beats using a map and compass.
 
Yes you can. Go to USGS.gov (after the shutdown), and look on the topic listings & click on Topographic Maps. Not only can you get the latest maps, but I believe you can get previous editions. When I worked in D.C. I lived in Reston, VA where the U.S. Geological Survey Headquarters is located. While I had an office in D.C. I persuaded the powers that be to also give me an office at USGS headquarters in Reston to use when it wasn't necessary for me to be present in D.C., which saved the hassle of a nasty commute. When I was in my office in Reston I found excuses to visit the mapping division which had an area that the public could walk in, browse the many, many files/shelves of maps there and buy the ones selected...it was interesting & fascinating. Also, I believe that the New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources may have some topo maps.
 
Silvertip1 said:
Yes you can. Go to USGS.gov (after the shutdown), and look on the topic listings & click on Topographic Maps. Not only can you get the latest maps, but I believe you can get previous editions. When I worked in D.C. I lived in Reston, VA where the U.S. Geological Survey Headquarters is located. While I had an office in D.C. I persuaded the powers that be to also give me an office at USGS headquarters in Reston to use when it wasn't necessary for me to be present in D.C., which saved the hassle of a nasty commute. When I was in my office in Reston I found excuses to visit the mapping division which had an area that the public could walk in, browse the many, many files/shelves of maps there and buy the ones selected...it was interesting & fascinating. Also, I believe that the New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources may have some topo maps.
Click to expand...
Thanks for sharing this
 

Similar threads

Alan
Game Warden Encounters and Stories
Replies
3
Views
191
HD-Ghost
HD-Ghost

Latest posts

Back
Top