What do you think?
Rate this book
Ultimate Navigation Manual
All the techniques you need to become an expert navigator. The Ultimate Navigation Manual is a unique guide to finding your way on land -- from the basic principles right up to the advanced technology of GPS. Designed to allow even the absolute beginner to find their way anywhere in the world, it also develops a unique confidence in navigation -- with or without technical aids. With a preface by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, contents will also Environmental clues -- Using the natural environment to navigate Maps -- An introduction to the different types of maps The Compass and North -- How compasses work, how to use them and how to choose the right one Map and Compass Navigation -- twenty-five easy-to-learn skills are described Relocation Procedures -- What to do when lost, dealing with well-known relocation procedures and some ground-breaking new ones Stellar Navigation -- Simple methods that are easy to learn GNSS (GPS) Navigation -- Why Global Satellite Navigation Systems are the most significant advance in navigation since the invention of the magnetic compass; details all of the systems now available, including the American GPS Specialist environments and equipment -- Which techniques are best, where and how to use them in environments such as the Arctic, coastal areas, desert regions, jungles or forests, mountains and urban areas Written by one of the world's leading search and rescue consultants and highly illustrated with specially commissioned photographs designed to emphasise navigation problems -- this is the ultimate guide to not losing your way.
368 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2011
76 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 24, 2019
Possibly the most complete and well-structured manual to learn land navigation techniques that really matter. The pedagogical approach of the author set this book apart. He does intend to teach us only the basics but to transcend them, and learn to overcome challenges like proficient experienced navigators do. His Search and Rescue background is evident.
The only comparable document I've seen is a teacher's manual written for the Canadian military that is not available to the general public.
My only wish would be to include in a revised edition a few detachable summaries and checklists. Meanwhile, and it's maybe better that way, I'll write my own in a notebook I carry inside my compass pocket.
DON'T BUY THE EBOOK. BUY THE PAPER VERSION. I bought the Kindle version. It was a mistake. It's a reference book you want to have in your backpack, on longer expeditions, especially when all your electronics have stopped functioning.
The only comparable document I've seen is a teacher's manual written for the Canadian military that is not available to the general public.
My only wish would be to include in a revised edition a few detachable summaries and checklists. Meanwhile, and it's maybe better that way, I'll write my own in a notebook I carry inside my compass pocket.
DON'T BUY THE EBOOK. BUY THE PAPER VERSION. I bought the Kindle version. It was a mistake. It's a reference book you want to have in your backpack, on longer expeditions, especially when all your electronics have stopped functioning.
November 11, 2013
it's just the best on the subject.
clean, clear and very comprehensive.
can't recommend enough
clean, clear and very comprehensive.
can't recommend enough
February 18, 2020
Excellent
Really useful book. I thought I knew everything about navigation being a seasoned hill walker. I was wrong. So excellent techniques clearly explained
Really useful book. I thought I knew everything about navigation being a seasoned hill walker. I was wrong. So excellent techniques clearly explained
November 24, 2025
If you are going to write a book called The Ultimate Navigation Manual you have to expect it to come under some close scrutiny. This book, by Mountain Rescue team member Lyle Brotherton aims to cover every aspect of land navigation, gathering existing common training with best practice from various military and SAR teams across the world. I first learned of the book on an outdoors website, where its merits and shortcomings were being discussed. My interest was sparked, and I sent off for a copy. Mr Brotherton obviously knows his stuff, but there is the odd part which is either confusing or wrong. Not wrong in a “Trails magazines’s infamous route off Ben Nevis” wrong. More minor continuity errors than anything. Occasionally there are paragraphs which contradict something already stated elsewhere in the manual, such as the contour interval on 1:25,000 OS maps as being 10m, then in another section 5m (in fact it is mainly 10m, and 5m in areas where there is so little difference in height that 10m contours would not provide enough detail). On page 66 in the expert facts section, it states that declination is known in the military as Grid Magnetic Angle (MVAR). I was a map reading instructor with the army and had never heard the term MVAR. Ever. It is not contained in any of the issue manuals. I googled it and eventually found one very obscure reference to the phrase. The British Army uses the term GMA, Grid Magnetic Angle, which is the angle of declination between magnetic north and the grid.
One completely wrong fact is that “gates are not marked on OS Landranger or Explorer maps”. Gates may be marked on OS Landranger maps, although not all are, and you will find the symbol on the map legend. As I say not serious mistakes, just enough to keep pedants like myself busy for a while!
There are some minor inconsistencies, such as the use of bold grey type within paragraphs, which are meant to refer you to the index. Some have the page number listed next to them, others don’t, and in at least one case the point referred to isn’t indexed. These are more proof reading or publishing errors, and are niggles which in time will be picked up and corrected. Don’t however let these moans put you off, this is after all the first edition. I’m overwhelmingly confident there will be a second and a third edition, because once tidied up this will be the bible of land navigation. From the basics of what is a map, to datums, compasses and bearings, ancillary equipment to satellite navigation systems and computer mapping, I can think of very little which is not covered. There are some very good sections on specialist navigation techniques, and while I would perhaps argue with their order of preference (I would rank night navigation first, over all others, but that’s just my opinion) you can’t say that there are any glaring omissions. It’s also very welcoming that Mr Brotherton seriously recommends the use of satellite navigation. Many people who ask for advice on which unit to buy are often sneeringly told to learn to use a map and compass instead. That’s not the case here, with almost everything (and I say almost only to cover myself) covered, right down to which type of batteries should be used. For many years I have been advocating Geocaching to anyone wishing to get to become proficient with satellite navigation units, and it’s good to see it rates a mention here, as it is undoubtedly an aid to learning.
The author is obviously aiming this at an international market, and the occasional references to azimuths show that, a term more familiar on the American side of the Atlantic. That’s nothing surprising when you look at his track record, having taught search and rescue techniques in over 24 different countries! There is, what appears to me to be a degree of product placement in the book, with repeated plugs for a particular brand of compass and a particular brand of rather expensive binocular most apparent. Likewise it is the highly praised compasses one deficiency which has probably led to the development of Mr Brothertons take on the romer, which he sells from the website which is associated with the book. The book is designed in part to be used with the website. The website is still in its infancy and new content is continually being added. From here, amongst other things, you can download a programme of activities which you can use in conjunction with the book as a guide for beginners. Video content is used to explain some of the techniques in the book, and you can use the forum to contact the author.
There is nothing earth shattering in the book. Almost everything is available elsewhere, spread across a variety of titles. What the writer has done is bring all these techniques together in one volume, and explained them with clear and easy to understand diagrams and pictures. Whether you are a complete beginner, an occasional dabbler or an old hand this book has something to offer you. If it doesn’t, your name is probably Lyle Brotherton.
One completely wrong fact is that “gates are not marked on OS Landranger or Explorer maps”. Gates may be marked on OS Landranger maps, although not all are, and you will find the symbol on the map legend. As I say not serious mistakes, just enough to keep pedants like myself busy for a while!
There are some minor inconsistencies, such as the use of bold grey type within paragraphs, which are meant to refer you to the index. Some have the page number listed next to them, others don’t, and in at least one case the point referred to isn’t indexed. These are more proof reading or publishing errors, and are niggles which in time will be picked up and corrected. Don’t however let these moans put you off, this is after all the first edition. I’m overwhelmingly confident there will be a second and a third edition, because once tidied up this will be the bible of land navigation. From the basics of what is a map, to datums, compasses and bearings, ancillary equipment to satellite navigation systems and computer mapping, I can think of very little which is not covered. There are some very good sections on specialist navigation techniques, and while I would perhaps argue with their order of preference (I would rank night navigation first, over all others, but that’s just my opinion) you can’t say that there are any glaring omissions. It’s also very welcoming that Mr Brotherton seriously recommends the use of satellite navigation. Many people who ask for advice on which unit to buy are often sneeringly told to learn to use a map and compass instead. That’s not the case here, with almost everything (and I say almost only to cover myself) covered, right down to which type of batteries should be used. For many years I have been advocating Geocaching to anyone wishing to get to become proficient with satellite navigation units, and it’s good to see it rates a mention here, as it is undoubtedly an aid to learning.
The author is obviously aiming this at an international market, and the occasional references to azimuths show that, a term more familiar on the American side of the Atlantic. That’s nothing surprising when you look at his track record, having taught search and rescue techniques in over 24 different countries! There is, what appears to me to be a degree of product placement in the book, with repeated plugs for a particular brand of compass and a particular brand of rather expensive binocular most apparent. Likewise it is the highly praised compasses one deficiency which has probably led to the development of Mr Brothertons take on the romer, which he sells from the website which is associated with the book. The book is designed in part to be used with the website. The website is still in its infancy and new content is continually being added. From here, amongst other things, you can download a programme of activities which you can use in conjunction with the book as a guide for beginners. Video content is used to explain some of the techniques in the book, and you can use the forum to contact the author.
There is nothing earth shattering in the book. Almost everything is available elsewhere, spread across a variety of titles. What the writer has done is bring all these techniques together in one volume, and explained them with clear and easy to understand diagrams and pictures. Whether you are a complete beginner, an occasional dabbler or an old hand this book has something to offer you. If it doesn’t, your name is probably Lyle Brotherton.
May 27, 2019
Good book
this is a Good book to read for new comers to the great out doors. I'd recommend this book to.
this is a Good book to read for new comers to the great out doors. I'd recommend this book to.
May 20, 2022
A must have for wilderness travel.
November 22, 2023
Wonderful book, clear, concise and really worthwhile taking all on board what it teaches.
May 15, 2012
A great resource for navigation, especially mountain rescue teams. Very easy to read, superb diagrams and photos, with up to date tips - and links to the website which continues the good work. Well done Lyle!
April 29, 2013
The best guide to land-based navigation out there. Essential reading for walkers and travellers.
March 9, 2021
This is a great navigation book! I learned so much from reading it. Essential for hikers.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews