Complete Navigation Course: Map Reading, Compass Skills, and GPS Use Level 1

Master Real-World Land Navigation and Emergency Communications

Build confidence, skill, and self-reliance with this hands-on course in natural navigation, terrain association, map use, compass work, and practical backcountry decision making. This training reflects the most updated methods used by the Nature Reliance School cadre in the field.

Our approach follows the NTCG model. Natural navigation. Terrain association. Compass. GPS. Students learn to move from simple cues in nature to the full use of maps, compasses, and onto GPS to develop an increasingly accurate methodology. Every lesson is built to help you navigate independently with skill and accuracy.

This course is taught entirely in the field with experienced instructors who use these skills in real conditions with search teams, backcountry operations, and advanced tracking programs.

What You Will Learn

Natural Navigation Fundamentals

Start with what you already have. Learn how to use shadows, sun travel, vegetation clues, terrain shape, and natural directional indicators. This builds early confidence and teaches students that they are never out of the game, even without tools.

Terrain Association and Map Reading

Identify terrain features, understand contour lines, read elevation, and learn how to match what you see on a map to what is in front of you. You will work hands-on with multiple map types, including custom terrain-only maps.

Compass Skills and Walking an Azimuth

Find directions with precision and navigate to specific points. You will learn pace count, how terrain affects movement, wheel spoke drills, and how to return accurately to a known point.

Night Navigation

Put your skills to work in the dark. Students operate in small teams and navigate at night to build confidence under challenging conditions.

Plotting Points and Using Coordinates

Learn how to plot UTM, MGRS/USNG, and latitude/longitude. Understand grid lines and how to plan efficient, safe routes between points.  Effectively learn how to transfer info from one grid system to another for communicating with other people, agencies and units.

Final Integrated Exercise

The course ends with a scenario that brings together map reading, compass work, natural navigation, terrain association, and radio communication. Students work in teams to locate instructors placed across the property using the tools and skills learned all weekend.

Who This Course Is For

This class is built for beginners and for anyone who wants a structured introduction to land navigation. The course is also excellent preparation for advanced tracking or search-and-rescue training.

• Hikers

• Hunters

• Outdoor enthusiasts

• Preparedness-minded families

• SAR hopefuls

• Military and law enforcement officers

No prior experience is required.

Course Requirements and Gear

Navigation tools will be provided during instruction. You are welcome to bring your own map, compass, and radio gear if you prefer.  For some coursework we will require you to use our equipment to aid in efficient training.

Hydration is critical. Students must arrive prepared to carry water throughout the weekend.

What Makes This Course Different

(H2)

• Progressive learning from simple to complex

• Multiple map types, including terrain-only and full topographic

• Real movement in real terrain

• Night navigation to build confidence

• Final scenario that ties everything together

• Hands-on radio communication practice

• High instructor-to-student ratio

• Field tested lessons based on real operations

Our cadre use these skills professionally, and it shows in the instruction.

Safety and Expectations

Safety is our highest priority. Hydration reminders, appropriate rest breaks, radio overwatch, and clear bounding limits ensure a safe training environment. 

Course Outcomes

(H2)

By the end of the course you will confidently:

• Read and understand topographic maps

• Navigate using terrain, map, compass, and natural indicators

• Plot and follow grid coordinates

• Use radio communication effectively in a backcountry environment

• Work as part of a team to locate points across varied terrain

• Move safely and intentionally both day and night