Can anyone recommend a book that will introduce me to navigating? I don't want to get into using orienteering compasses just yet. Something that will get into the introductions like reading a map (not a road map) so I will know if this is something I want to pursue further.

Jeanette Isabelle

There are tons of books and videos out there, but here is a 3-D technique I've used in the past for beginers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axaO9602lvA

You might watch his other vids until other members here make their suggestions.

Some time back I did some searching (and too much buying) to find a great book on map/compass/GPS land navigation. There are some pretty good ones out there, but the one that I really liked was "The Essential Wilderness Navigator: How to Find Your Way in the Great Outdoors" by David Seidman & Paul Cleveland.

Here's the Amazon.com link if that helps:

http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Wilderne...6165&sr=1-7

What did I like? The descriptions of "how" are very well done - written in a nicely understandable way and realistic. I also think the coverage of techniques (what's covered) is excellent. It points out that the most important part of navigation is always knowing where you are on the map, and watching/remembering key landmarks. An especially important section describes in a pretty realistic way what to do when you realize you're lost.

I tended to find that many of the books focus on just map & compass navigation, which is important, but today the use of a GPS is a critical element too. Also, too many books focus on the different models of compasses - or GPSs - and are somewhat out of date at this point.

The classic is Bjorn Kjellstrom's "Be Expert With Map and Compass." The best thing to do is obtain a map (preferably topo map) and get out and do it. If you are going to spend any time outdoors, navigation by map is an essential, bedrock skill.

+ 1 on the Bjorn Kjellstrom's "Be Expert With Map and Compass." It is a workbook that carries you through the entire navigation process. Best book I have found on map and compass. I still work my way through mine every few years for a refresh.

I do not know if it will be helpful in my situation, after all I want to start with map reading to see if this is something I want to pursue, but a book I have my eye on is Using Your GPS with the UTM Map Coordinate System by John Carnes.

http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Transver...8870&sr=1-1

Jeanette Isabelle

Get the map and compass book and disregard any GPS stuff until you have mastered the basics. Kjellstrom's book is outstanding.

You need to be comfortable with a map, knowing what the symbols and markings mean, how to terrain associate, and how to navigate with a compass.

If you can land navigate without a GPS, having one is great and a timesaver. If you can't navigate without a GPS, once the batteries die you are pretty well hosed.

As JBMat notes, it is much better to aquire a basic understanding of map and compass before moving on to GPS. Likewise, while the UTM grid system has some advantages in some situations, it is something to be learned after you have first learned the basics. (Also, note that not all maps are overlain with a full UTM grid.) I would strongly second the recommendation to start with the Kjellstrom book, or perhaps the Seidman book.

An even more important thing to do, which hikermor recommended, is to get a topo map of some area you visit, and spend some time using it. Being on the ground with map in hand is far and away the best method to learn. There is no substitute for walking over terrain and at the same time seeing how it is portrayed on the map. Any book is at best only a supplement to that, not a replacement.

Playing around out of doors with a map is also a lot of fun!

+1 with what KenK said above.
And I don't know the book by Bjorn K.

I second the advice to learn basic map and compass navigation first. It is the right place to start.

Pete2

I wouldn't get any book, but would check online sites. No need to spend money.

http://kifaru.net/navigate1.htm