Innovative 1-Day Map & Compass Training
"I Understood It. Excellent Explanations, Well Paced, Good Use of Handson Mixed in with the Lecture" — NCS Participant


Navigation Core Seminar (NCS) Integrates NTS Topographical Maps, Compass Skills & GPS Receivers, into an Innovative 1-Day Seminar. GPS Receivers are Excellent Tool for Navigation when Properly used alongside Topographical Maps & Compass.
"…it touched on all areas, i.e. GPS, Compass, and Maps." — NCS Participant
Professional Wilderness Navigation Course
"I think Anyone who Purchases a GPS or wants to Travel in the Outdoors Should Take the Course" — NCS Participant
This Highly Practical Wilderness Navigation Seminar Provides Excellent Knowledge for anyone Hiking, Backpacking, Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Mountain Biking, Quading, Sledding or Paddling who wishes to Travel into the Wilderness with an added degree of Safety & Confidence. If you plan to use your Map and Compass or GPS in the Wilderness, Improve your Knowledge and Confidence with a GPS, and Gain Wilderness Navigation Skills then the Navigation Core Seminar is for you.
"I liked the approach — friendly, knowledgeable, moved ahead but not to quickly." — NCS Participant
Navigation Core Seminar Sections & Main Teaching Points
Topographical Map Reading
Learning to Understand Your Map
- Basic Points About Maps
- Topographical Maps
- Map Margin Information
- Map Features
- Measuring Distance
- Understanding Contour & Slope
- Latitude & Longitude
- Grid Reference System (UTM & MGRS)
- Alberta Township Survey (ATS)
Compass Navigation
Intro to Compass Use
- Basic Compass Use
- Intro to Declination
- Using a Compass on the Map
- Using a Compass in the Field
Wilderness Navigation
Using your ‘Navigators Toolbelt’
- Wilderness Navigation Hints
- Map Care & Types
- Routes Preparation
- Route Cards
- What to do if Lost?
GPS Introduction
A Tool in your ‘Navigators Toolbelt’
- The Global Positioning System
- How GPS Works?
- GPS Fixes
- GPS Signal Processing
- GPS Accuracy
- WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System)
- Handheld GPS Receivers
GPS Programming
Garbage-In Garbage-Out
- GPS Menu Systems
- Setting Map Datum
- Setting Position or Coordinate System
- Setting Units or Measure
- Setting Headings
- Setting Time
GPS Position Finding
Using your GPS Receiver
- Waypoints or Landmarks
- Marking Waypoints
- Acquiring your Position
GPS Navigation
Don’t Follow the Magic Box
- GPS Navigation
- Travelling with a GPS
- GPS Tracking
- Routes on a GPS
- GPS with Computers & Phones
Operating a GPS
Making your GPS Receiver Work
- Battery Life
- Cold Weather Operation
- Wet Weather Operation
- Hints & Reminders
- Buying a Handheld GPS Receiver
Conclusion
Carry your ‘Navigators Toolbelt’
- Tools in Your Toolbelt
- Bruce’s Secret Rules of Navigation
- Further Reading
- Navigation Certificate
- Web Resources
"I liked the handson and the time for questions." — NCS Participant


"I enjoyed the whole course; very interesting & loaded with information." — NCS Participant
It's Time to take Navigation Training
- Highlighted with Demonstrations, Hands-on Practice Exercises, and Time for Questions
- We Provide a GPS Receiver, Topographical Maps, and a Compass for your use during this Seminar
- Seminar Manual with a reading List is Provided
- Will provide the Knowledge and Confidence you need to take the Next Step
"Very informative. Good practical sessions outdoors and with Maps." — NCS Participant