Navigation Articles When Modern Electronics Fail $279 GPS Car Navigation 1/2 OFF PYLE navigation for your car. Lowest prices in the country. Equipped with a map, a compass and a portable GPS device, you embarke on journey that will supposedly end up with a magnificent mountain view of the surrounding wilderness. However, halfway down the trail, your GPS slipped and hit the ground. The impact caused the device to malfunction, receiving static instead of clear satellite signals. Thinking that you have your compass to aid in reaching your goal, you continue on your journey. Then when you check for your present bearing, you find out that a strong magnetic force is being emitted in the area (most probably the mountain) which is affecting the normal functions of the compass. If you have been trained on what to do, you won't panic since you have a map and you can rely on your navigation skills to guide you through. However, if you're navigation skills come close to being zero, then you begin panicking and you start cursing the GPS device. In times like this, the skills learned in improvised navigation are very important. Improvised navigation methods involve the use of navigation tools that are mostly based on observation and awareness of the surroundings. When you learn these techniques, you will learn to be independent of the GPS devices and even to some extent your dependency on the use of a compass will be reduced. NauticalCharts.com Easy click selection of NOAA charts, waterproof charts, ChartKits, C-Map electronic charts and nautical books. Over 50,000 charts in stock. When we say we improvised navigation, it means harnessing our "mental arithmetic" navigation skills. We increase our awareness start remembering the basic laws of nature. The sun rises in the East and sets in the West. Knowing particular star formations may be useful as well. Using celestial bodies to navigate is called celestial navigation. Buy Affordable GPS Navigation Systems Satellite radios and portable GPS navigation systems. $50 rebate. These signs and natural landmarks help us develop a sense of direction we are in relation to a map. Improvised navigation also relies on more or less precise estimation of time and distance traveled. This will help you plot your course and estimate the time it will take to reach your goal and go back if you need to. Navigation Explore 5,000+ GPS Choices. Save On navigation. If you take away the natural indicators and terrain, there's nothing else you can do. In a deeply forested area, the sun and other natural landmarks are often blocked by tall trees and lush foliage. This is why it is common to go up on higher ground or a clearing where you can survey where you are and probably spot one or two familiar landmarks. Navigation Systems Quickly search merchant prices. 100,000 Stores. Deals. Reviews. Relying on modern equipment isn't bad, although, knowing the old ways of navigation can come in handy. Ainuddin Mohamad is the Webmaster of the Online Reading Center at http://onlinereadingcenter.com which features online reading resources.