Adventure Race Navigation 101 + 201

A Beginners Guide to Map & Compass Skills

Adventure racing challenges not only your endurance but also your ability to think clearly under pressure. Strong navigation skills are what separate finishing teams from lost ones. This guide introduces the essential tools of map and compass, explains how to read the terrain, and shares proven strategies to keep you on course. Whether you’re a first-time racer or looking to sharpen your skills, these fundamentals will help you travel faster, make smarter route choices, and stay confident in the wilderness.

Compass Fundamentals

Key Parts of the Compass

  • Direction of Travel Arrow – the arrow on the baseplate you follow.

  • Compass Housing – the rotating dial with degree markings.

  • Magnetic Needle – the red end always points north.

  • Orienting Arrow – fixed in the housing; align the needle with this (“red in the shed”).

Using the Compass

  1. Set a Bearing – Rotate the housing to the degree you want (e.g., west = 270°).

  2. Follow the Arrow – Walk in the direction of travel, keeping the needle aligned with the orienting arrow.

  3. Check Your Direction – Point the compass ahead and rotate the housing until the needle aligns. The degree marking is your current facing.


Map + Compass Navigation

Finding a Bearing (Point X → Y)

  1. Place the edge of the compass between your start (X) and destination (Y).

  2. Rotate the housing so compass north matches map north.

  3. Read the bearing from the dial.

Orienting the Map

  • Rotate both map and compass until the needle points north.

  • “Red in the shed” means your map is aligned with the terrain.

Traveling on a Bearing

  • Follow the travel arrow (not the needle).

  • Keep the needle aligned with the orienting arrow.

  • Use distant objects (trees, ridges) to move consistently instead of staring down at the compass.

Common Navigation Mistakes

  • Orienteering only works if you know your current position (X).

  • Don’t confuse direction: point the arrow from X to Y, not the other way around.

  • Always match compass north with map north.

  • Estimate distance:

    • On a 1:24,000 map → 1 cm = 240 m

    • On a 1:10,000 map → 1 cm = 100 m

  • Use pace counting or time measurements to track distance in different terrain.

Reading Terrain & Topographic Maps

Map Colors

  • Green – woods, brush

  • Blue – water

  • White – open/light vegetation

  • Pink or Brown – contour lines

  • Red or Gray – roads, tracks

  • Yellow – urban features

💡 Tip: Water flows downhill — look for low points and drainage.

Contour Features

  • Steep slopes – lines close together

  • Gentle slopes – lines spaced further apart

  • Hilltops / Knolls – concentric circles

  • Depressions – circles with inward tick marks

  • Spurs – U-shaped ridges jutting out

  • Reentrants (Gullies) – V-shaped indentations

  • Saddles – low ground between two peaks

  • Ridges – long lines sloping downhill


Navigation Strategy

Using Trails

  • Is the trail shown on the map?

  • Does it lead closer to your goal—or away from it?

  • Off-trail may be shorter but slower; trails may be longer but faster.

  • Look for “attack points” like intersections or bends.

  • In winter, check which trails are visible or groomed.

Using Terrain

  • Sure vs. risky: Wrapping around terrain may be slower but safer than going over it.

  • Avoid brutal areas (swamps, reentrants).

  • Use “handrails” like creeks, ridges, or spines.

  • Pay close attention to contour lines.

  • Consider energy: climb early while fresh.

Measuring Distance

  • Pre-race: use map wheel or ruler.

  • During race: pace count, stopwatch, feature counting.


Advanced Strategies

Attack Points

  • A clear, recognizable feature near your goal.

  • Travel confidently to the attack point, then take a precise bearing to your destination.

Handrails

  • Easy linear features to follow (trails, streams, fences, ridges).

  • Less concentration than a bearing.

Aiming Off

  • Deliberately aim slightly left/right of a feature so you know which way to turn when you arrive.

Visualization & Collecting Features

  • Picture features ahead of time (“there should be a gully on the right, then a marsh on the left”).

  • Break long routes into shorter legs.

Catching Features

  • Distinct features just beyond your control point.

  • If you reach them, you’ve overshot — turn back.

Relocation (When You’re Lost)

  1. Stop immediately.

  2. Orient the map with compass.

  3. Compare surroundings with map features.

  4. Retrace mentally with teammates.

  5. Move to a clear, mappable feature (ridge, water, trail).

  6. Once relocated, don’t rush blindly—reset your plan.

End Game Strategy

  • Always design your route with the finish in mind.

  • Place controls in loops that lead back toward the end.

  • Know how much time is left and adjust—skip far CPs if needed.

Training & Practice

Build Your Skills

  • Study past races and online tips.

  • Use topo maps or GPS apps for off-trail practice.

  • Set up practice courses with teammates.

Race Day

  • Test your pace counting and terrain reading.

  • Stay calm, relocate early if lost.

  • Use your compass, but trust the terrain.

RESOURCES