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More copies of this ISBN:

Land Navigation Handbook: The Sierra Club Guide to Map, Compass & GPS

by W S Kals

Land Navigation Handbook: The Sierra Club Guide to Map, Compass & GPS Cover

ISBN13: 9781578051229
ISBN10: 1578051223
Condition: Standard
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Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

This bestselling manual—now thoroughly revised and updated—is designed for anyone who wants to chart a course in the wilderness: hiker, backpacker, snowshoer, skier, fisherman, or hunter. Step by step, it teaches the skills that enable you to answer the vital questions: Where am I now? Which way do I head to reach my destination? How far is it? And how long will it take me to get there?

Included here are the basics of interpreting maps and orienting by compass, as well as more advanced techniques for measuring distances and estimating travel times; determining and adjusting for local declination around the globe; using an altimeter to add the dimension of height to one’s position; and navigation by means of sun and stars. In updating the late W. S. Kals’s text, Clyde Soles focuses on the latest developments in technology and equipment, such as digital mapping software and handheld GPS units, and provides an overview of marine navigation for sea kayakers. Visuals include a full-color foldout topographic map for reference and practice, plus dozens of helpful drawings and photographs.

Synopsis:

Sooner or later any outdoor enthusiast will need more than trail markers for guidance. This best-selling manual--now thoroughly revised and updated--is designed for anyone who wants to chart a course in the wilderness: hiker, backpacker, snowshoer, skier, fisherman, or hunter. Step by step, it teaches the skills that enable you to answer the vital questions: Where am I now? Which way do I head to reach my destination? How far is it? And how long will it take me to get there?

Starting with the basics of interpreting maps and orienting by compass, the book proceeds clearly through the more advanced mysteries of land navigation: measuring distances and estimating travel times; determining and adjusting for

local declination around the globe; using an altimeter to add the dimension of height to one's position; and navigation by means of sun and stars. In updating the late W. S. Kals's text, coauthor Clyde Soles focuses on the latest developments in technology and equipment. Readers learn, for example, that through digital mapping software, one can order the exact area desired, at any scale, and print it on waterproof paper. Soles also surveys the popular new handheld GPS units and instructs in their use, and provides an overview of marine navigation for the growing sport of sea kayaking. Visuals include a full-color foldout topographic map for reference and practice, plus dozens of helpful drawings and photographs.

Though much has changed, one thing certainly hasn't: the new edition of "Land Navigation Handbook "retains the solid information, spirit, and lively humor that made it a classic among outdoorspeople everywhere.

Synopsis:

A completely revised and updated edition of Sierra Club Books' classic guide to land navigation, detailing how to find one's way in the great outdoors with map, compass, and GPS.
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Average customer rating based on 1 comment:
Peter, January 3, 2007 (view all comments by Peter)
It's beyond me why people recommend this book for first-time backcountry hikers, adventure racers, or backpackers who want to learn how to read a map and use a compass in the wilds. Even the old time-encrusted 'Be Expert With Map and Compass' book is easier to use, and that's saying something!

The writers take far too long getting to the point in teaching map and compass fundamentals. Mr. Kals was an amateur sailing enthusiast and this influence shows in his frequent references to this sport - but sea navigation bears little resemblance to wilderness land navigation! Kals' frequent deviations from the relevant topic are worsened by the fact that the book pages are small (you can't even crack the book flat on a table while referring to it and doing a few nav exercises) and the resulting illustrations are less than clear. The whole book reminds me of an old first-year astronomy text - interesting discussions of abstract planetary and magnetic concepts, but very long in coming to the point when it comes to practical instruction. Furthermore, Kals tries too often to be clever when he should be trying to be clear and concise. Even with the so-called revision, it remains a slow-reading book that takes too long to get across the concept of practical back-country navigation in most wilderness environments. I am convinced that someone interested in backcountry navigation will want a modern teaching guide that helps them learn quickly, and not three pages on the virtues of an obsolete 1902 compass design! Oh, and the added-on GPS information is far too scanty to serve as a useful guide - better to master map/compass work first, then try a few geocaching exercises while using the factory instruction manual.

The fact is most every new backcountry navigator will want and need to practice mapreading and compass skills in the field with ANY instruction book. But there are much better instructional texts (and, with easier-to-follow illustrations!) than this one for learning basic map and compass skills, and learning them quickly (try The Essential Wilderness Navigator, for just one example.)

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Product Details

ISBN:
9781578051229
Subtitle:
The Sierra Club Guide to Map, Compass & GPS
Author:
Kals, W S
Author:
Kals, W. S.
Author:
Soles, Clyde
Publisher:
Sierra Club Books
Subject:
Outdoor Skills
Subject:
Maps
Subject:
Orienteering
Subject:
Maps & Road Atlases
Edition Number:
2
Publication Date:
September 2005
Binding:
Paperback
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Y
Pages:
247
Dimensions:
7.94x4.56x.61 in. .54 lbs.
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