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Class descriptions

Meridian Geographics periodically offers classes for teens and adults in orienteering and land navigation. Pricing is typically $35 per person for a 2 to 3 hour small group session. Contact us to express your interest.

Class content will depend on student interest. Below are descriptions for classes we have conducted in the past.

To view a short video of Eric talking about his classes, courtesy of North Seattle Community College, click here and scroll to the middle.

 

Basics of Land Navigation and Orienteering

Three weekly 2.5 hour sessions.

Learn to navigate. This class starts at the beginner level and covers the fundamental navigation skills needed by backcountry hikers, adventure racers, orienteers and other outdoor recreationists. Students will learn about different kinds of maps and how to interpret them, proper use of a compass, distance estimation, route selection and following, and other navigation techniques and strategies. The class will emphasize outdoor practice, discussion, and games to reinforce the skills being learned.

Introduction to Orienteering

One 3-hour session

If you've been curious about orienteering, but wanted to know something about it before going to an event, then this class is for you. Orienteering is a sport of map and compass navigation, and the class covers rules, history, equipment, what to expect at a typical event, and basic skills, with emphasis on what it takes to get a successful start. The class includes an introductory orienteering course.

Land Navigation Field Workshop: Beginning Skills
Land Navigation Field Workshop: Intermediate Skills

Each is a 2.5 hour session – one in the morning, one in the afternoon.

Beginning Skills: Covers map and compass fundamentals such as map reading, proper map handling and navigation routine, basic route planning and following strategies, and basic compass skills.

Intermediate Skills: This session will build upon the basics, emphasizing topics like contour reading, rough and precision compass skills, route choice and strategies, and relocation. The practice event will be an opportunity to use your navigation skills. The instructor will provide equipment. The outdoors is our classroom, so come dressed to be hiking and standing outside, and bring water and a snack.

Land Navigation at Night

One 3-hour session

Learn map and compass techniques for night travel. Practice skills that are needed under low-visibility conditions, such as precision compass, safe route choices, distance estimation, and tracking one's location. An indoor theory session will be followed by an outdoor navigation course, so dress for the weather. Bring a headlamp or flashlight, but no other special equipment is needed. The class is oriented toward students who have a little familiarity with map and compass use, but novices can come and learn the basics. Take this class to build your skills and confidence or just because it's fun to explore at night.

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