Identifying Terrain Features on a Map (Update)

[@jennm8893]

Thank you so much for the video! I found this information very helpful. Also, it was super fun to see you use your Kalmiopsis photos to illustrate the features. I live in Southern Oregon and will be exploring the Kalmiopsis Wilderness more when I become more proficient with my map and compass skills.

[@Natural-Causes]

Great explanation of topo features, thank you

[@gregmosk]

A great refresher. Thank you.

[@67Breeze]

Not going to parrot what I've already said on your tiktok channel, except for Thank You for this topic!!!! Subscribed!

[@MaryannHazel]

Great video on land navigation Andy! I always have a map and compass with me, but I had forgotten the difference between different draws. Great explanation!

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Thanks Maryann this was an update video I reposted with better audio. I had some birds chirping allot especially at the end but still better than the previous one.

[@MaryannHazel]

@@TheAmericanBackpacker - it was well done...as always!

[@KathysOutdoorAdventures]

Great information. It was a good review for me, I got to learn this in SAR. I loved how you put it with actual pictures to help explain it better. I just found your channel and looking forward to seeing more!

[@Thelifeofwiley]

Excellent explanation and great info, you made it very easy to understand

[@lowellkleinman2152]

Thanks! Appreciate the "to the point" review. I would love to see a video where you bushwack and show us using the map and compass in action. When I use map and compass in the field it is always harder than at the kitchen table.

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

It would make a great video for those looking to get off the trail and bushwhack. On my next long adventure I shall do a segment, which I will work into my adventure video.

[@lowellkleinman2152]

@@TheAmericanBackpacker I would benefit greatly from seeing how you think about bushwacking. Meaning, seeing how you evaluate the terrain on the map, decide what route options there are, and how you choose which one to take. I have been trying to do this at home, using CalTopo and satellite images to choose bushwacking routes, but I am finding that when I get into the field some of my calculations about ease of travel are off.

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Land navigation encompasses many skills. Sometimes you have to use a little Kentucky windage, (adjusting o the fly), when navigating. Paper maps and online maps can be off and when you get into the field the terrain may look different. I will look at doing a more videos on bushwhacking. One thing to remember when you are going from the kitchen table to the field is solid terrain association. I have found that calculations done at home can be off in the field. Using terrain association such as identifying specific terrain features like streams, hilltops, etc.will help you when you are navigating. Even though you may be off on a bearing using terrain features will help keep you on track. There is a lot more to this then how I am explaining it to you but it will help you in the field. Remember that a compass, map, and GPS, are tools that are only as good as the person using them to navigate. That is why I have videos on different topics on land navigation. I will continue to put out videos on land nav with more emphasis on the bushwhacking.

[@seandeschene]

What is the difference between a Ridge and a Spur? Both look like lines going away from a hilltop or other high ground.

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

A Ridge has longer lines sloping down from its top or high ground which could be a Hilltop. A Spur is an outcropping of short U-shaped lines from high ground, which may off a Ridge. You may also see a stream in either side of a Spur. These streams are usually what creates a Spur.