How to Pinpoint Yourself on a Map

In this world of modern technology, using GPS to pinpoint our locations when lost has become par for the course, but it is the easy way out. If you are exploring your local region or going for a hike somewhere, it's a lot more fun to get your map out. There are a number of ways to locate where you are using a map and a compass.

Things You'll Need

  • Topographic Map
  • Compass
  • Ruler or Protractor
  • Pencil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hike deep into the countryside, take a walk off the beaten track, or try a different path than you would normally take. Pack the map in your backpack and explore nature's wilderness around you.

    • 2

      Lay the map down as flat as you can. Mark the last place where you think you were and look around the map for landmarks like roads, hills and woods. Getting to know your map is essential for finding your place on it.

    • 3

      Take a compass reading. Lay the compass flat on the map and turn it until the N for north points the same way as the red arrow. The red arrow points towards magnetic north. Now you know where you are facing and in what direction you have been heading most recently. The compass points to magnetic north not true north, so remember there will be a variation between compass north and the north on the map.

    • 4

      Look for a landmark following the north pointing arrow. Mark on the map which landmark you think this is. Repeat for landmarks to the east, south and west.

    • 5

      Draw straight lines from north to south, and east to west and mark the spot where the two lines intersect. This is your rough location.

    • 6

      Examine the topography, the lay of the land, around this rough location. Does it match with what you can see around you? Look for contour lines; is the map saying it is as steep or shallow as where you are? Are there woods in the right place? Any paths or rivers you may have crossed or that may be near you? By narrowing down your location you are finding specific landmarks to confirm your location.