How to Measure Distances on a Map

Use a Ruler, or Curvimeter, or Even Google Maps Distance Calculator.

If you want to calculate the real world distance of a route, you need first to measure the equivalent distance on the map. This step is simple if the route is a straight line between two points. All you need to do is to measure the distance with a ruler. If you don't have a ruler, bear in mind that usually there are inscribed rulers in the base plates of orienteering compasses. Another way is to use drawn grid lines across the maps as measuring tool. The grid lines form an array of identical squares with sides of a specific length. After figuring out the dimensions of one square, the grid effectively becomes a ruler. For more complex routes, divide your route into straight-line segments and measure the distance of each segment one by one. Simply add the length of all segments to calculate the total length of the route.

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.