Geographic coordinates on maps

Major latitudes and longitudes are shown as lines across the map or as tick marks in the margins. On most maps or charts, only selected latitudes and longitudes are completely labeled. To prevent clutter, other lines are labeled with partial numbers. For example, only the minutes of arc are shown. The standard way to describe a location with geographic coordinates is to state the latitude followed by the longitude. For example, 46°25'09"S, 105°57'15"E.

Introduction to Navigation

Welcome to Wilderness Navigation Guide.

Navigation is both an art and a science, requiring creativity as well as raw technical skills. It has always been an intricate part of human activity. In the past our very survival may have hinged on using natural navigation clues to find a decent food source and then retrace the route back to the cave. In stark contrast, present-day navigation systems can guide an aircraft across oceans and continents to a perfect landing in zero visibility. Future space travelers will no doubt use devices that are even more sophisticated.

Despite these technological advancements, we often find ourselves frustrated by navigational tasks. Just ask anyone who has tried to find his or her way out of an unfamiliar city.

Studies have shown that having a general sense of direction is closely linked to the ability to mentally rotate objects. This may explain why some people easily become disoriented while others have seemingly no trouble finding their way. The widespread belief that some people, especially members of indigenous groups, can navigate purely by instinct is however a myth. Wherever you are on Earth, you are likely surrounded by clues that you can use for navigation. It isn’t so much an innate sense of direction that differentiates navigators, but rather the ability to recognize navigational clues and put them to effective use.