Some folks assume that having a map and a compass will keep them found.

Bullshit.

If you don’t keep track of where you are and wind up lost, it can be fucking difficult to figure out where on the map you are.

If you can find even one identifiable feature that is on the map, you may be able to complete what is termed resection to find where you are. Look from high ground at two different features on the map. Maybe you have found a fire tower and you can see two hilltops from where you stand. If this tower is the only one on the map, you’re all set, but to verify this it would be good to do resection from the tower.

Take a bearing on the objects you can see from where you are standing and use the reverse azimuths to draw lines on the map.

If these lines intersect at the fire tower (in this case) from the two hilltops, you have verified your suspicions that the tower is the one you can see on the map.

This sounds easy in this example, but in deep woods or summer growth it can be nearly impossible, so it’s best to watch the map from the start and navigate by all the methods listed here to stay aware of your current location.

Lose your location, and you’re only probably fucked.

Lose yourself, and you’re fucked indefatigably.

Janet out for good.

(as if anyone’s even reading this shit)