Maps & navigation

Build a field map, practice the skills behind it, and head outside knowing how to find your way back.

ScoutThings field map

Make a map for your next adventure

Search an address, campground, trailhead, or coordinates. Add your own waypoints by tapping the map, then save it here, share it, or print it for the trail.

Tip: paste latitude and longitude separated by a comma for an exact spot.

Choose a destination, then use the map to add waypoints.

SCOUT THINGSBE PREPARED

FIELD NAVIGATION MAP

My ScoutThings field map

Choose a destination before printing.

North is upNo destination selected
PlanAdd a destination and waypoints.
Scout reminderStay with your buddy. Check your route with an adult before you go.
Saved maps stay in ScoutThings. On a troop site, they follow you to other devices when you sign in; on the public site, they stay on this device. A printed map is a backup, not a substitute for sound judgment.
Compass practice

Set a bearing

A bearing is a direction measured clockwise from north. Move the slider, then imagine the travel arrow pointing along that course.

  1. Keep the compass level and away from phones, keys, and metal.
  2. Point the direction-of-travel arrow at your landmark.
  3. Turn the bezel until its north lines match the red needle. Read the bearing at the index line.
  4. To follow it, set the bearing first, then turn your whole body until the red needle sits in the orienting arrow.
Night navigation

Find the North Star

Polaris is almost directly above Earth’s North Pole. In the Northern Hemisphere, the direction to Polaris is true north.

  1. Find the Big Dipper. Use the two stars on the outside edge of its cup.
  2. Follow that line about five cup-widths to the next bright star: Polaris.
  3. If the Dipper is low or hidden, find Cassiopeia’s bright “W” on the other side of Polaris.
  4. Face Polaris, then use your map and compass to plan your next move. Clouds or daylight? Use your compass instead.

The sky finder uses your device location and the current time to show where Polaris and its guide stars are. It works best with a clear view of the northern sky.

Optional extra tool

Open this spot in CalTopo

ScoutThings is where scouts make, save, and print their map. If a leader wants extra layers or a different mapping tool, this optional link opens the same location in CalTopo.

Open CalTopo CalTopo printing guide
Everything Store · Navigation

Field gear that earns its place in the pack

A solid compass, dry notes, light, and whistle—simple field gear that helps a scout use the map well.

Orienteering Baseplate Compass A proper baseplate compass for map work, not a keyring toy. This is the one for the map and compass requirements. $9.97
Outdoor Compass with Adjustable Declination Adjustable declination, a magnifier and a ruler. The declination adjustment is what makes map bearings come out right. $3.99
Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Pocket Notebook, 3.5 x 5 inch Rite in the Rain paper genuinely works wet. Pocket sized, for notes at camp that survive the weather. $7.95
Energizer LED Headlamp PRO, 2-Pack Two headlamps on AAA batteries. Hands free is the whole point. $14.99
LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard Loud safety whistle on a lanyard. Three blasts means help. Every scout wears one on the trail. $7.99

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Created and maintained by C.G. on Skynet

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