Map & Compass

The aim and objective of map and compass teaching is:

To teach cadets to use the map and compass correctly and with confidence, accuracy and speed.

Cadet map and compass training is a basic look at navigation, and as such it does not go into any great depth, or into advanced navigation skills. As our coverage of the cadet syllabus is developed, we will also look to expand this into more advanced skills

Information in this section is split into three separate sections, dealing with compasses on their own, maps on their own, and the use of the map and the compass together in order to effectively navigate.

• Maps and Mapping
  

  A map is a diagrammatic representation of an area of land or sea showing physical features, cities, roads, etc.

  During cadet training, Ordnance Survey maps are most often used. However, all of the principles of mapping, which are taught in this section, are equally applicable to other types of maps. The skills learnt in this section are applicable in many areas of both military and civilian life: Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, fieldcraft, annual camps, as well as adventurous training and walking expeditions.

• The Compass
  

  The compass is an accurate, lightweight, navigation tool, in common usage not just within the military and cadet forces, but with everyone who visits the outdoors with any regularity. They vary in price from only a few pounds, to hundreds of pounds for a top prismatic compass. It is extremely important that cadets are able to effectively use the compass, as it is absolutely key to navigation.

• Navigational Skills