Have you ever stared blankly at a map and wondered, what on earth does all this mean?
Have you ever been driving along, completely lost and after miles of driving realised you have the map upside down?
Have you ever wanted to know how to be able to read a map, use a compass, go for a walk or drive without getting lost?
Then this course is for you!
This course has proved extremely popular and is a great opportunity to learn new skills or brush up on old ones. The course is designed primarily for walkers but the skills that will be learnt are universal.
Each week the course will cover the theory and practice involved with a different aspect of map reading, navigation and compass work. Once we are happy you have the basic knowledge we will go on a navigational journey as a group. This will be a chance to test people’s ability to relate the map features to the landscape and demonstrate navigation strategies. The course will culminate in an assessment expedition. Each student will be asked to lead a short section of walk finding a number of points based on grid references, land marks and distances.
By the end of the course each participant will be able to:
· Read and take a grid reference
· take a six-figure grid reference for any given position and also locate such a reference on the map
· know how to use a map and compass to navigate between two points
· have an understanding of how to take a compass bearing
· be able to interpret terrain based on map contours
· using a basic understanding of contours, match major landforms like hills and valleys to their map representation
· understand the nature of a map as a two dimensional plan
· understand how to use map symbols and scales, on a variety of maps
· orientate the map with and without a compass
· use the orientated map to identify land features and indicate direction of travel
· choose simple navigation strategies and routes
· use linear features (eg paths and tracks) as handrails in simple navigation exercises
· estimate distance on both map and ground
· plan a safe, suitable walk
· relocate using simple techniques on paths and other handrails
· understand access rights and responsibilities
· demonstrate an awareness of local and national access issues and access legislation
· demonstrate knowledge of the Countryside Code and of procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.
The course will begin on Thursday, 10 September 2009 and will be held at Longcroft School in Beverley from 6.30–9.00 pm each week. The five-week course will cost £25 per person.
Full attendance on the course is essential and assessment dates will be 31 October, 1, 7 and 8 of November.
