Basic Essentials: Map & Compass

Basic Illustrated Series

by Cliff Jacobson

Renowned outdoorsman Cliff Jacobson has done it again. In this revised second edition of his classic " Basic Essentials: Map and Compass, " you'll discover techniques for choosing and using the right type of compass, reading and understanding contour lines and other map features, plotting a course and finding your way through the wilderness, using a map and compass in concert with a GPS receiver, and where to find and order the maps you need.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Nature, Outdoors

Paperback

First published April 15, 2008

About the author

Cliff Jacobson is one of North America's most respected outdoors writers, wilderness guides, national and foreign consultants, and is the most published canoeing/camping writer of this century. He is a professional canoe guide and outfitter, a wilderness canoeing and camping consultant and the author of over a dozen top-selling books on camping and canoeing— numerous titles have been translated into Spanish, German, French and Turkish with sales approaching one million copies.

An accomplished canoeist in his own right, Cliff was recently recognized by the American Canoe Association (ACA) which presented him with the Legends of Paddling Award and inducted him into the ACA Hall of Fame.

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great review of map and compass with practical examples of their use. It was exactly what I was looking for. Some of the material is dated, however, the essentials are timeless.

[James Morrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agree with another reviewer here that this is a basic introduction to map and compass. However, there are certainly more complete, better-illustrated, better-written ones. The original book I read on the subject was Hjellstrom's "Be an Expert With Map and Compass", it is excellent. Perhaps more up-to-date and extremely well done is Wilderness Navigation, Bob Burns. Equally as good for beginners is "Staying Found" by June Fleming. I recommend checking a few of these other books out at the library before purchasing. There are also some excellent YouTube videos on the basics of using map and compass you will probably enjoy.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good simple introduction to using a map and compass in the wilderness, with accompanying maps and a few exercises to practice. It's short and doesn't take too long to go through but does give you a good enough foundation to, as the author says, go out into the wilderness and "practice, practice, practice.

The chapter on GPS is a little dated what with technology changing so fast, but you really only want to use it for learning how to use a map and compass anyway.

[Ken Mccafferty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good review of the basics. A great starting point if you don't know anything!!!

[Evo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paired with wilderness navigation

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exactly what the title says it is.