Field Guides
Practical guides to navigation, GPS devices and outdoor skills, helping you build knowledge and use it confidently on your walksNavigation Fundamentals
New to navigation or GPS? Start with these practical guides to build a clear understanding of the essentials.
How Contour Lines Show the Shape of the Land
Contours are the language of the landscape. Learn how to read the lines on a map, understand slope and recognise the hills, valleys, ridges and spurs around you.
How Satellites Help You Find Your Place in the Landscape
A beginner-friendly guide to how GPS satellites help your receiver calculate its position, from measuring signal travel time to combining distances from several satellites and turning the result into a place on the map.
Map Scale in Practice — Distance, Detail and Grid Lines
Map scale changes more than how much ground fits on a page. Learn how 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 maps show distance, grid lines and landscape detail, and when each scale is useful on a walk.
Maps & Route Planning
Guides to reading maps, planning walking routes and preparing reliable navigation before heading out.
Map Scale in Practice — Distance, Detail and Grid Lines
Map scale changes more than how much ground fits on a page. Learn how 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 maps show distance, grid lines and landscape detail, and when each scale is useful on a walk.
GPS Devices
Practical guides to setting up, using and getting more from GPS devices out in the field.
How Satellites Help You Find Your Place in the Landscape
A beginner-friendly guide to how GPS satellites help your receiver calculate its position, from measuring signal travel time to combining distances from several satellites and turning the result into a place on the map.
Why Your GPS Position Changes Even When You Haven’t Moved
Even when you are standing still, your GPS position can continue to shift. This guide explains why satellite geometry, signal conditions and the surrounding landscape can all cause small changes in the position shown by your device.
Field Tests
Real-world tests of GPS accuracy, battery performance and navigation devices out in the field.