Fundamentals of Navigation for Adventure Racing

Tools of the Trade

Navigation requires a few basic tools:

Map
Plotter grid
Compass
Brain

Maps

The map used in most adventure races is a 1:24,000 scale topographical map as designed by the United States Geological Survey. The short name for this map is "1:24 USGS topo". The image to the right is a standard 1:24 USGS topo map. These maps are generally given by the race director at the start of the race. You can also find these maps using software packages such as National Geographic's TOPO. The TOPO software allows you to view and print USGS maps. You can also import waypoints and tracks from your GPS and see them on the map. There are also online resources that provide map printing services, such as MyTopo.com. While you can access these maps and study them before a race, many race directors won't let you use your own maps during the race.

It is important to note that not all maps used in adventure racing are 1:24,000 scale. Sometimes we use other scales, depending on how much detail we want to be able to see. Other commonly used scales are 1:25,000 and 1:100,000.

Plotters

You'll also need a plotter grid in order to pinpoint exact spots on the map, given X-Y coordinates. A plotter grid is a clear plastic card that has grid scales printed on them. There are many different plotter grids available on the market. ARgear.com (http://www.argear.com/search/search.php?zoom_query=utm) has many different types for sale.

The Basic Roamer AR is a good choice because it has many different grid scales printed on the card. This makes it a handy tool if the race director hands you maps that have different scales.
MapTools.com has some grids that you can download and print. The best way to print these is on a sheet of overhead projector plastic "paper". You can then seal it in a laminating pouch to protect it. There are also some plotters on the last page of this lesson for you to download.

Plotter grids come in two styles. A "forward" plotter typically has numbers running 1 through 10, from left-to-right and down-to-up. A "reverse" plotter typically has numbers running the opposite way. We'll talk about the differences between these two types of plotters later.

Here is an example of a forward plotter. Notice that the numbers from 1-9 going left to right and 1-9 down to up. Forward plotter grid

Here is an example of a reverse plotter that has many scales. Notice that the numbers for the 1:24K grid along the top edge run from 1000 to 0 (where the hole is) from left to right and from 1000 to 0 from down to up. Reverse plotter grid

Compasses

Of course you'll need a compass. A standard protractor-style compass with a rotating bezel is best for adventure racing. The Suunto M-3D is a great compass because it has a pronounced needle, some glow-in-the-dark dots, and map alignment lines in the bezel.

Most Important Tool

The last tool you'll need is your brain. This is a thinking-person's sport and you'll need to be able to plan, problem-solve, make decisions, and do some basic math while you're running, biking, paddling, and when you're sleep-deprived.