SILVA Navigation School - how to navigate safely with map and compass

Learn how to navigate safely with map and compass and the SILVA 1-2-3 System.
0:32 Before heading out, plan your route.
0:52 Explanation of a map scale.
1:31 Use significant terrain objects to mark your route.
2:00 Explanation of orientation of the map.
2:32 Check terrain objects to keep track of your position.
2:53 How to use the SILVA 1-2-3 System.
4:08 Using a sighting compass/mirror compass.
4:29 Judging distance when walking on a bearing: time and steps.
To learn more about navigating with a map and compass, visit our compass school:
silvasweden.co...

[@TyJee28]

It's wonderful news to read Silva Sweden has acquired ownership of the Silva name in N America and started importing your compasses again with US models starting Jan 2018. Also terrific to see you now have compass models with global needles .

[@benjune17]

Seriously, nothing about declination?

[@macski6924]

Its maybe beyond the scope of a basic navigation video.

[@UTClans_UTZ]

@@macski6924 Agreed.

[@rinatgaliew8637]

When marching, it is necessary to take into account the magnetic declination (eastern or western), otherwise you will not come where you need.

[@zl1David]

Especially if you have miles to go and you're not in the central U.s.

[@kurtbaier6122]

No declination? Just using true north? I'll have to try that.

[@equusspringsfarm]

Have a question that no one seems to have an enswer for. I'm sitting in Virginia, declination here is 8 degrees west. Planning a trip up Mount Shasta in California, declination maybe 12 east. I want to make a "plan" with travel points with azimuths/bearings in case of low viz or GPS failure. Can I do that? Do I set my declination on my compass for 8W or 12E

[@silvermediastudio]

Unfortunately not. The products sold in the US under the Silva name are cheaply-made by a different company, there was a big trademark/distribution dispute you can read about if you wiki "Silva Compass." To get true Silva AB of Sweden instruments, you either have to find them on eBay, travel to Sweden, or have someone in Europe to ship it to you. Retail stores in the USA cannot legally sell them. The best option to a real Silva available here I believe is the Suunto M-3G Global, about $45.

[@Mike70005]

Declination was ignored in this video. Perhaps the N-S lines on the map were magnetic N-S drawn by the user. If so, you should mention this.

[@TheresOnlyOneTank]

But that changes by x degrees each year

[@Mike70005]

@@TheresOnlyOneTank Declination is quite substantial in many places. in the mountain West of the United States it's eight to 12° and similar on the eastern seaboard. It cannot simply be ignored. The annual change in declination varies from place to place throughout the world and over time but is generally very, very small on a year-to-year basis. Still over the course of several years it can become significant especially when navigating long distances. One must correct for it by either adjusting the compass or adjusting the meridians on the map.

[@TheresOnlyOneTank]

If the declination is out by 13 degrees over a 20km hike you'll be off course by about 5km

[@txdurk]

using a gps is like using a calculator in math class. if you don't learn the basics you are forever limited to one dimension. This may make the difference between life and death one day.

[@BillSaltbush]

. . . and, you are relying on a battery.

[@pleatedskirt18]

To those that are grumbling about lack of declination I would say that this is an introduction ONLY. It is NOT a definitive guide. Anyone who is intending to go out into the outdoors MUST get used to using a compass and map first, ideally with someone who is a competent navigator. There are many commercial organisations who will help with this, but for younger people, try the Scout movement.

[@WHNorthcote]

Or, and here is a strange concept, use nature to navigate by.

[@Stargeeeza]

Where is the fun in using a GPS?

[@livinginvancouverbc2247]

When it directs you over a cliff! ;-)

[@edyvanea]

If your stride (step) is less than a meter, how can you take less than 100 steps to travel 100m ? ...ehhh get your metric system right people!

[@edyvanea]

I apologise... I must have not heard that part. Suppose it makes sense as this rules out the distance error of the left leg and the right leg strides. Cheers

[@scrapgrace]

1:42 they look like bugged out NPCs

[@palmiromancini6688]

Preferisco la lingua italiana

[@anselmoalliegro460]

An educated person knows many languages not just Italian. La persona educada habla muchas lenguas, no solo Italiano. Solo perché il mio nome è italiano e la famiglia da Salerno significa che conosco la lingua.

[@anthonypenny2959]

2:11 statement is true if magnetic north is equal to true north. Or those lines on the map are drawn in magnetic lines. Declination must be considered and should be mentioned.

[@johnpowell9174]

Those lines would almost certainly be grid meridians -pretty close to true northings.

[@philjordan1749]

Very nice, straight forward video. Watched a couple of others and they seem to over complicate things. With its 1,2,3 approach this was simple and clear. Maybe another one explaining declination might be an idea - or have you already done that and I missed it?

[@mortsdans]

This video doesn't mention magnetic declination... Without accounting for that all your compass readings will be wrong and you'll get lost. Bad Info

[@JamesPliny]

I didn't see the travelers compensating for declination. The Declination Gremlin can throw you completely off your course.

[@livinginvancouverbc2247]

"Remember; continually hold your map in one hand, compass in the other, keep the power lines in sight, pick a mark and concentrate on walking towards it, count your steps and keep track of time! ... oh yeah...and enjoy your relaxing walk in the woods! ...Hey, never mind the pretty birds!" A compass should make your walk in the woods safe and fun.

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

LivingInVancouverBC how to I hold my whiskey flask? Lol

[@KennethNicholson1972]

@@prepperjonpnw6482 Grip it between your lips chum, lol.

[@WR3ND]

@@prepperjonpnw6482 You drink it. 🤫

[@canuck81]

This video should've explained magnetic declination. Should really be the "silva 1-2-3-4 system"

[@Gekkibi]

@Arianit Krasniqi Categorically false. With just 10 degree declination you would be missing your mark by well over 400 meters after a mere 2 km distance. That's a difference between arriving at your landmark and arriving at a similar looking landmark you think is the correct one. With 25 degree declination we're talking almost 1 km error after the same 2 km. People have put themselves into danger because of statements like yours.

[@Gekkibi]

@Arianit Krasniqi ...and the direction you're setting is not to a direction that will get you to your intended destination on a map, unless you happen to be in an area where the declination happens to be zero degrees. The only situation where you don't have to know the local declination and adjust for it is if you can get the [magnetic] heading from somewhere else than from a map with geographical grid lines. If the "up" of a map is towards the geographical north rather than magnetic north then you will have to take declination into account.

[@jsollien127]

Gekkibi it has a scale on the inside of the bezel to correct for variation (or declination). I’m guessing Silva feels that you should do more than watch a 6 min video if your life depends on that level of accuracy?

[@Mike70005]

@@Gekkibi this is an excellent point. When going from map to compass there are three techniques to correct for declination: 1. Depending upon whether the declination is east or west, add or subtract the declination from the true bearing to the objective determined on the map; 2. On the map, draw (in pencil or on an overlay) magnetic meridians and use those to determine the bearing to your objective rather than the true north meridians; 3. If your compass allows for it adjust the magnetic north indicator by the degrees of declination east or west; now your compass will point to true north and you may use the true North meridians on the map to determine the bearing to your objective.

[@Cous1nJack]

@@Mike70005 on OS maps at least, grid north is top of the map and true north somewhere else again. Declination is stated in relation to both.

[@muz609]

is the music that important ffs

[@joseph_b319]

The guys hands must be freezing

[@YST5700]

I still like paper maps for overall orientation vs. the cramped screen of a GPS unit, though GPS does eliminate hassles with constantly changing declination over large distances (assuming a power source is available).

[@skim193]

if i lay the map on the ground and turn the map to align the grid lines with my red arrow havnt i adjusted for declination ?

[@ChasenGunzOutdoors]

Enjoyed the video. Keep up the great work. Be blessed

[@anselmoalliegro460]

Forgot to mention Ranger beads and pace counting. Other than sighting a target in the direction of travel and walking to it, you may need to estimate the distance that you have traveled if there is no point of reference on the map. In essence, you need to know how many times your left foot strikes the ground in 1 kilometer with the load you will be carrying in the type of terrain you will be traversing. Ranger beads are a convenient way of recording each 100 meters to one kilometer.

[@annar8759]

Ranger beads are best, but I find I never have them when I need the. You can move pebbles from one pocket to another, keep one more finger out of your pocket, tie a loop in a string etc. The important thing is, have 2 pacers. The average of 2 people gives a more accurate number than 1. Keep in mind that your load, fatigue, ground conditions (ie walking in sand, snow or swamp) will all effect the number of paces it takes you to go 100 m. AND when 1 pacer screws up, he should immediately announce it and start again at his buddies numbers.

[@SuperSqueakyboy]

Anselmo Alliegro Need protractor too to obtain coordinates

[@KennethNicholson1972]

Been route marching, and on land expeditions for over 40 years, in many differing types of terrain, and have never yet used ranger beads, ever. You should know your average walking pace, and how long you have been walking, then the rough calculation is simple. I really miss it all to be honest, disability through injury has robbed me of all my favourite past times and interest. Make the most of your legs buddy, and keep on walking, climbing, hiking, Potholing/sperlunking, exploring, and seeking adventure whilst you still can. God bless you, from UK

[@TheresOnlyOneTank]

What about declination? North on the map isn't the same as North on the compass...

[@clintoncoker6]

Oh, north on the compass and north on the map are the same. The problem is that north on the earth is different!

[@TheresOnlyOneTank]

@@clintoncoker6 North on the map is not the same as North on a compass. That's why maps have 3 sets of declination figures. A compass points to magnetic North this is the area the magnetic field lines intersectp the earth. North on the map can only be generalised because its flattening out the earth.

[@forhisglory700]

I really got to learn this stuff.

[@desmo5514]

Worst case scenario, if you lose the lanyard and screwdriver for adjusting declination, if you carry a SAK wth corkscrew and you have the micro flat driver, it's a little small but it will do the job in a pinch 👍🇦🇺

[@josephcampbell1693]

Use clear nail polish on bottom of base plate compasses to prevent wear of info.

[@KennethNicholson1972]

Excellent tip indeed. Thank you for sharing this. My old compasses only got replaced due to the print wearing off over time. Wish I still had my Sweden made ones. Far better than the modern China made versions.

[@Cous1nJack]

My silva is from 2002. It still has all the print as it is inked into groves.

[@josephcampbell1693]

@@Cous1nJack look at the other reply to my post.

[@StevenTorrey]

Bring your phone and the map may be able to ping your place; that way you can tell if you are on the right path.

[@galichiltd7970]

Thanks for this video/ Сan уоu post a link to a video or instruction Hoogte/barometer ADC Ridge .

[@andrewlinesjah4538]

So this is all good and well But holding the map with the longitude line correctly orientated in the first place How would I know that to be so Because am I correct in thinking That holding the map in the right or wrong direction determines the right or wrong compass orientation ?

[@shaungilder6399]

Still a great video

[@DrPastah]

I still don't get the part with aligning just the compass needle to geometric north of the map and how turning the map right also turns you right in reality.

[@SignedSign]

Silva is a swedish company, we hardly have any declination over here so the few degrees declination some areas have is so small it dont matter, but yes, if your area got substantial declination you will need to correct your bearing. But if you didnt notice, this is all very basic land navigation skills, correcting declination comes in the advanced classes along with pin pointing your location, this is preschool stuff, the basics everyone needs to know to get you in the correct general direction.

[@vytisagafonovas3887]

NO! WE DEMAND EXPLANATION!

[@妙典蛇島]

I saw the same photo at 0:23 in the handbook of Silva Compass. Sweden has such a beutiful place. By the way, are 1:25000 maps not so popular in Europe?

[@robert_wigh]

I don't know, actually. Here in Sweden, 1:20 000 is also pretty popular.

[@KennethNicholson1972]

Since my childhood to now, I have always used 1:50000, and I have no idea at all why, lol. I guess it is what I was taught on as a child, and I never saw the need for finer details in over 40 years of land nav. Happy days. Love and peace from the UK.

[@anselmoalliegro460]

If you prefer, take a GPS but don't leave your compass behind. Adjust your compass for the magnetic declination in your area . Go to www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag-web/?useFullSite=true Remember - "East is best ( add +), West is worst ( substract -). " Then, get a 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 topographic map and place it in a plastic see-through waterproof pouch with paper and pencils. Binoculars and a small flashlight are also good to have. The liquid filled, dampened, compass is less expensive and may have attractive features, but they will eventually develop a disabling bubble. Military or engineering lensatic compass are best.

[@marybethsmith9528]

+Anselmo Alliegro East is best ( add +), West is worst ( substract -). This depends entirely on where you are in the world. In the US, it is "east is least (-), west is best (+). The northern hemisphere has 4 zero declination lines, while the southern hemisphere has 2. Which line you are near determines whether you add or subtract declination. upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/World_Magnetic_Declination_2010.pdf/page1-5400px-World_Magnetic_Declination_2010.pdf.jpg

[@anselmoalliegro460]

+Mary Beth Smith You are right. It depends on which side of the Greenwich meridian you're in and whether you are working on the north or south hemisphere. one should always read the scale on the map.

[@AGH331]

+Anselmo Alliegro Liquid filled compasses do not necessarily develop any bubbles. They only develop in very cold weather, and they affect some models more than others. A decent, high quality compass of, for example, Suunto, will have a very small chance of developing a bubble. The better manufacturers also give a lifetime warranty on bubble issues.

[@anselmoalliegro460]

Problem is the warrante is no good if the bubble develops in a pressurised airplane on the way to where you are going. Yes. Suunto seem better made.

[@artistvick]

Anselmo Alliegro

[@maynardjohnson3313]

Don't use the powerlines for hand rails.

[@BillSaltbush]

🤣🤣🤣

[@SaaTBundo]

Thanks for this video. I need one but how can I get it? I am from Monrovia, Liberia in Africa. I look forward to hearing from you.

[@cliffspicer6555]

I just got a 16DCL compass and I am learning how to use it and have a question. If i live somewhere that has a negative 10 west declination and I use the tool to adjust it on my compass, does this mean North is no longer 0 but 350 since it must compensate for the -10w declination?

[@TheFrog767]

This may help you kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZ_CqoxsgZ2qr5Y

[@StevenTorrey]

For me, roughly, it takes about 20 minutes to walk one mile, depending on terrain. Usually, where I hike, the maps mark the distance and I can get a rough estimate of how long the hike will take.

[@StevenTorrey]

Hint: a plastic pillow case container with zipper makes for a great map holder keeping the map dry from rain, moisture, or sweat.container

[@YST5700]

Not exactly. Stockholm shows an east declination of over 5 degrees, but Paris is close to zero. YMMV.

[@ssanguinetti]

great video! Thank you for sharing!

[@rrwakefield]

Thanks for this video, it's just what I needed to get my boy scouts started.

[@adeffis]

Which model of Silva is she holding when sighting ?

[@ynewbee]

@hornetlee i agree ...they leave so much out wen explaining

[@tomscup]

Is this model available in the US? When?

[@lachlantom1875]

Great video guys now I know how to use a map and compass

[@karhukivi]

My main complaint about Silva (and many other brands) is that the baseplate should be fluoro yellow in case the compass is dropped on snow or grass. The Ranger model had a screw to adjust out the declination, they should all have that feature. Lastly, a compass should always be carried around your neck on a lanyard.

[@2adamast]

A thumb compass may be caried on the thumb I guess

[@karhukivi]

@@2adamast A friend fell into a boghole while hillwalking in Scotland and when he got out, his expensive wristwatch+GPS had fallen off and was lost forever! Mission-critical items need to be looked after.

[@2adamast]

@@karhukivi Thanks for responding. I always expect the story of a guy who's lanyard got caught in a branch while going downhill and hung himself up. I know recent lanyards have therefore a break loose function to look after the neck, but the lanyard possibly won't survive a boghole either.

[@karhukivi]

@@2adamast You're right! I tied a thin paracord lanyard to a piece of equipment and as you say, it got caught on a branch going through dense woodland, and the cord cut deep into my wrist without breaking. So the lanyard I use for my compass has a weak link but it is still strong enough not to break easily. The trick is to keep the compass well tucked into the shirt collar when going through dense vegetation, don't want to hang myself!

[@mrchrisonthecoffeeshow.8399]

always double check so you wont get lost chao!

[@greymajickjedi]

Very good/usable information, presented quite easy to understand. Similar to the U.S. Military Map Reading / Land Navigation maunal.

[@WHNorthcote]

What makes you tthink I hug trees?

[@jeg569]

Dont you need to orientate the map first?

[@janbjorkman3279]

no

[@FabioSpelta]

"shool"?

[@silvanigra]

Excellent, brief and clear information.

[@metropolized5343]

To clarify - there is no need to orient the map itself to north in the 1-2-3 Method?

[@WHNorthcote]

And does a Silva compass run on batteries?

[@TheGirty]

excellent, thanks for the vidéo Alain

[@stevehammond9156]

This is a very simplistic video and completely disregards magnetic declination. In some parts of the world, FT Lewis in WA state as an example, magnetic north and grid north varied by no less than 23 degrees. Even on short legs that can result in significant errors. For a 23 degree difference, you would be off by no less than 42.4 meters on a 100 meter leg, (the tangent of 23 degrees is .4244). That is enough for you to completley miss your mark. On 300m, it is 127m, more than a football field!

[@robertboyd3863]

He wasn't in Wa

[@robertboyd3863]

@Stephen Beck-von-Peccoz They said the guy was in the UK where it was about zero, it is just a few percent where I live so not really much of a factor in most cases, yes when I'm in AK. it is a big deal ,

[@2adamast]

@@robertboyd3863 If it's a big deal you use a compass that can set the magnetic declination. Silva has such models. You can't be expected to do that calculation correctly whole the time

[@robertboyd3863]

@@2adamast Much better options than Silva, I got one of those and it's not near as good as my others

[@siddharthabairan8995]

it is so slow!!