Basic Navigation - NNAS Bronze Award

Duration: One day

Course content: Use of map and compass, grid references, use of landmarks, contours, handrails, navigation strategies

Wildwood Bushcraft is an official provider of the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) - this means we can provide an accredited and well recognised qualification in Navigation. If you are successful in achieving the pass criteria of this course you will receive an NNAS Bronze Award certificate.

If you are primarily interested in the content of this course and do not want the qualification you do not have to be assessed.

This course is suitable for both beginners or intermediate navigators.

We will start by explaining and demonstrating the basic navigational principles of map and compass. Once we have covered the basic knowledge we will go on a navigational journey as a group. This will be a chance to test people's ability to relate the map features to the landscape, and demonstrate navigation strategies. The final navigational test will be to find a series of markers based on grid references.

At the end of the day there will be a short written test to assess your understanding of navigation principles and related concepts.

Learning outcomes: You should be able to:

• read and take a grid reference
• know how to use a map and compass to navigate between two points
• be able to interpret terrain based on map contours
• Understand the nature of a map as a two dimensional plan.
• Understand how to use map symbols and scales, on a variety of maps.
• Take a 6 figure grid reference for any given position and also locate such a reference on the map.
• Orientate the map with and without a compass.
• Use the orientated map to identify land features and indicate direction of travel.
• Choose simple navigation strategies and routes.
• Use linear features (e.g. paths and tracks) as handrails in simple navigation exercises.
• Estimate distance on both map and ground.
• Using a basic understanding of contours, match major landforms like hills and valleys to their map representation.
• Plan a safe, suitable walk.
• Relocate using simple techniques on paths and other handrails.
• Understand access rights and responsibilities.
• Demonstrate an awareness of local and national access issues and access legislation.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Countryside Code, and of procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.