Find your location using a map and compass with triangulation

[@andreilukyanov4286]

Dear Jessie Krebs. Thank you immensely for your short and extremely informative videos. I have read multiple articles on how to do a triangulation with the compass, and NOT ONE SINGLE ONE mentionned the most important thing from the start. This is why I was failing in understanding how to do it. The most important thing from the start: ORIENT THE MAP ON THE TRUE NORTH.

[@mikeg1608]

I like that you made it simple and concise, but it would have been helpful to explain where the "tip of the compass" is and what "red fred" and "the shed" are.

[@seeda5545]

I agree with you, it would’ve been helpful, but I think by “red fred” is the North pole. By the “Shred” is the arrow in the compass.

[@btpowers]

Very nice, thank you. I'm a scout from the 70s and 80s and remember this well. My son is now 9 years old and your video seems to be a very concise tutorial. Will have to check out your other videos.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Waterproof maps, good compass and some brains. None of these things are going to break when the worst happens.

[@OoOoOo-we3dn]

sry my brain smooth

[@Sebjg92]

Just what I needed, quick and easy to understand! Great, thank you!

[@camerons9677]

2:59- RIP to that worm

[@cr6zyeights]

😂

[@4314832]

My Gawd I just got back from the woods. I remembered this from a few years ago and it just saved my life. THANK YOU......

[@camerons9677]

Thanks for this video. It really helped. I was stuck on mount mansfield for 6 hours last winter in 60mph winds with a friend and we became lost in the mountains. Next time, I will be prepared because I watched this video

[@beeestuff9819]

This blew my mind, i need to get out more and learn this stuff ASAP!

[@heterodox3487]

You have a genuine gift to make useful information easy to understand. Thank you. Do you offer classes?

[@heterodox3487]

The Prepared I've been looking at your website, excellent quality! Will look into a class, thanks again for quick response.

[@justinliu7357]

Is the third reading to make sure the two readings before is correct? Theoretically you'd only need the first two readings to make an intersection.

[@justinliu7357]

Thanks, your channel is a real treat. It's the only channel where I've found all of the videos to be actually useful for when I'm on a trip. Hope to see more content in the future.

[@theodoresweger4948]

This all good information and it works well. In my experience I'm either off map, and the features are to far to be accurate 4 degrees on something 5 miles away gives me too much error. My other problem too much trees or obstacle in the way. I suggest knowing where you start from and keep track of your direction and distance, identify landmarks as you go. Try not getting in a situation where this method is necessary. Try using it when you know where you are to get experienced for when you don't and you will see what I mean. Use it definitely when all else fails. My experience the Scouts, USAF, USCG.

[@anomalyp8584]

not getting into trouble if you can avoid it should be priority yea. I guess you have to make your way to an open/elevated spot.

[@barrylitchfield250]

Great explanation! (Except I must have missed the part about Red and Fred.) Who are these guys, and are they there with you? Are you still there waiting for me to save you from the bears? (I wish!)

[@kerberos623]

Red fred is the red north of the compass needle. the Shed is the line on the compass under the needle where you orient the companss needle into. you can see that the black arrow looks like a little shed roof.

[@greenman5255]

When I'm lost, I don't say "red in the shed"...I say "red in the BED", so I can imagine myself finding my way home to a long nap.

[@Davidhamnett]

🤣 knob hill, epic! Great and quickest example I’ve seen so far, thank you!

[@alexmaxwell7064]

This was the first video on you tube when I looked up map and compass, ironically I originally learned this stuff from her and a couple other folks way back in 2006... blast from the past seeing her again lol

[@stevenrobertson6656]

Awesome...at last I understand !

[@amoledor]

Where was your declination adjustment? Do you in an area with zero declination?

[@demandyng79]

Great video! Easy to understand. I have one question: Is it recommended to get to higher ground to see more landmarks? Some places are surrounded by trees and it's hard to see.

[@NMIBUBBLE]

So on the compass North is the shed, on that compass it looks like a shed up close, and the needle which is red, is Fred!

[@maxsands3861]

Are you going to be making more videos in the future? Great content!

[@spencerimre]

Great video, straight to the point.

[@chevy6n2]

Saw your channel yesterday, thanks for what you do. Important to share that knowledge. 👍

[@brendangray]

0:22 , what is she orienting to true north the map or the compass?

[@davidharris30]

The compass

[@josebarrientos826]

So no adjustment for magnetic north to true north?

[@GottaFly]

great video but I'm trying to figure out declination. In Triangulation do you need to adjust your compass for declination, or is that in other situations? Or is it if you already have adjusted the compass for declination you just don't have to think about it any more? Or is it that you oriented the map to "True North" that you don't adjust for declination? Confused!

[@GottaFly]

@@ThePrepared OH WOW, thanks - I should have looked! I have to read/watch several different things and finally something sticks!

[@GottaFly]

And a BIG thanks for the section on what kind of compass to buy. I have a few but looking around at all the kinds - so confusing - very helpful!

[@pirretmi]

I was wondering what the difference is when you use the orienting lines to triangulate instead of the orienting arrow and needle (red in the shed). I have seen other information that says to line up the orienting lines with the grid lines on your map by rotating the compass. In your video you rotate the compass to get red in the shed. Is there a difference? Thanks

[@stevemulholland1532]

I enjoy your videos. My experience is that you remember an originally learned technique of a particular skill. I have seen many instances where navigators learned a new trick after many decades, laughing at why they never knew this hack, and going on to use the new hack. Regarding the difference between lat/long and UTM lines. I look at the border of the map and see how many millimeters the top easting is out from the map border and compare the bottom easting. Usually, my Caltopo 1-50k map it is usually only one or two millimeters out of alignment. Not enough to worry about for the hike I am doing. Most of my region is -16 West. I prefer an adjustable compass and align the inner parallel lines up with the UTM. You must avoid using the engraved arrow as it has been moved to the declination. The parallel must be used. Using the compass as a protractor takes out the possibility of metal interference. Plus, it saves me from going to wet ground with my map. Many people learned navigation using your technique and it serves them well under stress. As you say, you can build on your skills after mastering the basics.

[@adelarsen9776]

Can I make a suggestion please ? A compass is cheap. Even good one's like Silva are quality and cheap. My advice is to always carry two (2) compasses because if you are ever in doubt you can reassure yourself with the 2nd compass.

[@aloysiusjones3985]

Why not buy three in that case and two GPS and another map. All just in case. 🇦🇺👎🍺

[@adelarsen9776]

@@aloysiusjones3985 That's not necessary. A 2nd compass is a good idea in case you need to reassure yourself.

[@Mysteria9]

Quick an clear! Other youtubers should learn from you. Many thanks!

[@lucascoger]

I'm really struggling to find high detail topo maps. I'm looking for 1:10000 UTM topo maps for hiking, hunting, and land nav practice. REI, Sportsman's Wharehouse, USGS, don't sell them anymore. Please help.

[@bronzefanpage8256]

Wow! I never expected it to be so quick and accurate! I definitely want to try this sometime! Where do you get your maps? Thanks!

[@sparky5860]

Only one problem I see is no correction for magnetic variation? but I loved the demonstration......

[@davideinstein7887]

That was great!!!! Awesome content.

[@adrianojames5828]

Excellent!! Not only for the clear instruction , but i noticed to other important pieces of info... you carry a PENCIL complete with a big green ERASER !

[@Addictedtoyoutube9]

Very useful, as civilian it's easily explained.

[@philipswain4122]

A critical skill everyone should learn. Thanks. Reminds me of yomping up on Hellvelin with only a map nd compass. Problem was always low visibility so you needed acute observation skills of the land around you.

[@paganphil100]

Philip Swain: The only time I've ever needed to use a compass was on Helvellyn, coming down in thick fog. We came to a track junction and I had to use the compass to determine which was the correct track.

[@danjarvis6980]

Excellent method very fast-after map is oriented to True North-eliminates calculations of reciprocal bearings or 180° back azimuth. The only possible drawback is you have to know exactly the I.D., name or object, or designation from which to start your back azimuth toward your unknown position . It could be tricky in some areas with similar geographic formations in close proximity unless one has familiarity with the region. Yet the method shown by the instructor here is so simple to obtain a fix of our position, it should probably be practiced often and added to our knowledge of navigation.

[@Davethe1979]

I hope you are ok. Anymore videos planned?

[@WillN2Go1]

When we're lost usually it's because we're not sure where we are, but only in respects to where we want to or need to go. The first thing we lose in that situation is a clear sense of where we came from. We can see the route we just walked on, but forget the turns. The concept of lost is according to a really good source I can't remember, is when what we see doesn't match the image in our minds. 'A mountain can be in the wrong place.' That last position in the video? that ridge? I don't know. I've found that it's good to get lost as many times as you can do it safely. Then you have to figure out where you are and how to get where you need to go. I love paddling out in the ocean in the fog. I know the wave patterns, have a compass, GPS on my phone and I'm very experienced, and I've been doing this for 15 years. So I'm absolutely confident that I can be headed 90 degrees off course in about two minutes. A good two or three day hike using paper maps is an advanced course in wayfinding by map and compass. The only way to learn is to repeatedly do it wrong, and then realize it. It's so easy to make mistakes, your brain wants to jump on any solution you arrive at because it feels good (like junk food). Personally I think wayfinding, navigating, is not learning how to do it, so much as it's learning about all the ways you can do it wrong. Also, I set the local declination on my compass before I go out. And with a flat compass like yours, hold it up and look along the compass towards the point you're sighting. It's very very easy to not point it in the correct direction while looking down at it. Why do experienced hikers get compasses with the mirrors? It's just best to site the distant point, while seeing the compass dial in the same view. (And compasses. A good Suunto or Brunton mirror compass costs about $50. It's worth it. I have a Brunton that's about 40 years old. There are three kinds of compass: northern hemisphere, southern and both (global). I bought a both. The needle dips and tries to stick. A bit annoying. So unless you're spending time on both sides of the Equator, just get your hemisphere.

[@dawntank]

i have no idea what shed and fred and i cant really see your compas, gess i have to learn how to use the compas first lol ty

[@killingfrenesi]

Well i could see how you did it closely but i didn't learn a single thing. It's like, i understand what you are saying but i got no idea where everything's coming from.

[@Roma-kp4qg]

Quick, concise and informative! Thank you!

[@ThomasShue]

Ok, how did you eablish you are in the fist size location.. if you were blind folded and dropped off in the wild with a compass and a map, how do you pinpoint your location then?

[@paganphil100]

Thomas Shue's World: You just need a landmark that you can positively identify on the map......take a bearing on it, work out the "back-bearing and draw it on the map and you will be somewhere along that line. Repeat a few times (with different landmarks) and where all the lines intersect will be your location.

[@qwerty36ish]

But you didn't adjust for magnetic vs true north!

[@qwerty36ish]

@@ThePreparedOh ok cool, thanks!

[@matthewburden9403]

She said she adjusted the map leaving one to also assume that the compass is also adjusted to true north but did not explain the importance of such or the importance of anything else.

[@stevemulholland1532]

​@Matthew Burden . The compass is not adjusted. She says in thread that she does not use an adjusted compass. Once the map is corrected all bearing using the needle are already corrected by the initial map adjustment.

[@Ramp10er]

What about at sea?

[@mayordjq]

If you can identify all those distant peaks... How are you lost and in need of triangulation?

[@bulito3006]

I can't understand some of it because of the sound of winddd. Maybe you can put subtitles.

[@majormasingil9961]

Hi Jessie when triangulating on an object do you have any recommendation as to how far you can be away from the object before you really start to lose accuracy when transfering the bearing onto a map?

[@JamesEnTennessee]

Where did you get the map? It is great! Does not look like USGS.

[@naviddavanikabir]

is the third point necessary or we just need it for more accuracy? I was under the impression that we are located at the intersection of two lines.

[@davidharris30]

I think it's more of a 'measure thrice, cut once' thing. I always do three points, although the third point could be considered overkill by some.

[@paganphil100]

Navid Davani: The more "points" you use, the more accurate it is.

[@drpeemac]

excellent as always...salute to madame

[@tompeterson4628]

What if you have no mountains to reference. Or don't even have a vaque idea where you are.

[@letsdiscussitoversometea8479]

I would imagine that that requires navigation until you find identifiable landmarks... I consider it very sensible to both prepare to be lost by carrying essential provisions along with you for such an excursion, as well as anticipating the general location and planned route you intend to be on, and where, by informing a reliable party in advance (whether it be either family, friends, associates - or possibly even an organisation dedicated to ensuring the wellbeing of potentially lost ramblers, should they fail to report back to them after a given date and time (if no other reliable parties are available to the rambler)). Ordnance Survey map reading skills are very desirable as well.

[@glennhailstone1446]

Don't you need to add the magnetic declination?

[@jessiekrebs5764]

Yep, and I did, it was done when orienting the map. I oriented to true north not magnetic. I prefer doing it this way both because it's how I learned and taught it in the military, and it makes the map fit the landscape, becoming a true representation of what's around you.

[@angieroxy7550]

This is a very Interesting thing to learn ! Do you know how to do Morse Code? Also how do you find your Position if you were in the Ocean? I know Titanic's Officers did it and I'm not sure how.

[@troyjones9876]

I believe that they used sextants to determine their location while at sea. The only landmark you can use out there is the celestial bodies (stars). My mind still is blown on how they figured all that out and how they use a sextant. Pretty cool stuff.

[@paganphil100]

Angie Roxy: Sextant and chronometer (in the past)......GPS today.

[@711yada]

Ha! You’re in my old backyard off Switzerland trail! Great vids. 👍🏻

[@hockeyfreak043]

What kinda map is that

[@charliem5332]

Damn that’s good. I’m new to this. Who’s Fred and what shed is he in? Help me people. 🙏

[@charliem5332]

The Prepared thank you

[@Bananas331]

Perfect, thanks for sharing.

[@MobiusMinded]

Awesome. Thank you 🙏

[@phillwainewright4221]

You only need two lines if you do it accurately.

[@AnthonyMarcelino-eu1me]

Wow she made this look so simple like it was nothing 😂 love this!

[@TheOldGreggggg]

Nice and simple 🤙

[@officerwebb620]

couldn't you just take 3 angulations/bearings and you'd be at the vertex of the lines, totally not necessary to identify mountains and features ...

[@nesibesimalsimsek4732]

Hi i from Turkey and i ve just found your these videos.. all of them are awesome thank you..! But i know english less and you re talking so fast i miss much point.. what can i do? :((

[@shahryarnazhad9322]

thanks for you , l am geology student from Salahaddin University in kurdistan iraq .

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

And it's just that simple!

[@papaplaysbass4036]

Jessie Krebs for President.

[@danielbutler3150]

Is it turn until the needle is in the lines or the gridlines match the lines. I'm seeing videos with both but surely that cant work

[@backwoodstrails]

With a map oriented to true north and a compass NOT corrected for declination, you would box the needle as she shows in the video to get your line, just make sure the map stays oriented to true north during this process. However...If you have a compass corrected for declination then you would match your Orienteering Lines (inside the rotating housing) to the N/S Longitude lines on your map, essentially using your compass as a protractor and ignoring the needle once you get your bearing dialed in. Also, in the second case, the map does not need to be oriented to true north as this method of triangulation will work even with your map in hand. Just keep the bearing you shot under the index line and move your compass until the orienteering lines match up to the N/S longitude lines on your map. There are many methods to correct for declination as well, best to learn one method and stick with that method. I know the Sierra Club as well as REI only work with students that have compasses corrected for declination as this makes the teaching process easier.

[@ebony5766]

I wish I could understand a compass.....

[@LadiesWithCameras]

Are you OK? I miss your videos...

[@mt-nv4jd]

If you do not know the names of the mountains around you, this is not going to help.

[@stevemulholland1532]

Names are really not important. If the features of all the landmarks are distinguishable you should be reasonable assured you have made the correct call. One tip is to study the land features first and not the map. If you study the map first you can force the map to fit the terrain.

[@trooper2221]

very good thanks

[@stanc7178]

What? No battery powered GPS electronics? I have been hiking the hills using map and compass since 1970; not lost once. I would be willing to bet that less than 1% of city folk could determine their location as you did.

[@musicsavantaccountant5856]

Oh my God. That was so amazing! :-o I never knew that could be done. WOW. :-o

[@eliot1970]

Great stuff. Well explained. Thanks.

[@Ream44]

This could be useful, but I don't know what "Fred (or "Red"?) in the Shed" means.😵🌑

[@LukeTPZ]

Right on top of...Knob Hill.

[@NandigamS]

2:59 You crazy!?!? You just smashed a worm with the compass

[@DerSchwarz37]

Sweet

[@johnlindley8323]

On top of knob Hill

[@pauly51]

Shed? Fred?

[@nghnino]

ah this is Wonderful

[@burstfireno1617]

Hmm we need a map to make use of this

[@mariusvoinescu5954]

You can use Google maps

[@jessiekrebs5764]

Absolutely. A great source is caltopo.com/ it's a free site from which you can print your own maps with a dazzling array of modifications. Happy hiking!

[@damedesmontagnes]

Confusing. I don't get it. The terminology and phrases. Oh well. Thanks anyway.

[@freeslave1968]

Wow. That was easy.

[@onealjones3873]

What Steven said! =)

[@robmart8255]

Very good advice. I would check declination also.

[@robmart8255]

The Prepared I'm sorry I didn't see that video. Keep on teaching.

[@bkj43]

Someone should really let Fred out of that shed.

[@nickwest1476]

Not close enough to see. I'm out

[@michaelmartin5995]

Yep, good job! Fun stuff.

[@paganphil100]

There goes the "women can't read maps" theory :-)

[@seretrainingschool6778]

Ha! Like most humans I'm trainable (or so I'd like to think at least!).

[@headlesspalace]

Hehe.. knob hill

[@-NoneOfYourBusiness]

Oh, I thought that the first step was to drink my own piss AND THEN figure out where I am with a map and compass. Goddammit.

[@DGQ1Q2]

Goooooood

[@artzreal]

subbed. your spirit is awesome. (bet you're no feminist =) you don't have that many videos, but I'm gonna learn knots with you

[@artzreal]

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[@dankappus7004]

Oops. She forgot to take into account magnetic deviation from true north (and grid north). Now we're lost, guys.

[@ramzesovich]

She did take it into account when oriented the map to the true north.

[@giuseppinavolpe2873]

Is never easy

[@donz8501]

What...ure in a hurry? Relax a bit when explaining something.