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30-Second Fieldcraft: How to Pinpoint Your Position on a Map

Resection is a fast method to pinpoint your position when you can see known landmarks. It’s invaluable if you’re off course or navigating without GPS.

30-Second basics

  1. Identify two landmarks you can see and also locate on your map, such as a distinct hill top, a bend in a river, or a prominent building.
  2. Take a bearing to each landmark using your compass.
  3. Convert each compass bearing to a map bearing by subtracting 180°.
    Important: Remember to adjust your compass bearing for declination, or the difference between true north and magnetic north in your area.
  4. On your map, draw a line from each landmark along its map bearing. The point where these lines intersect is your position.

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