Here you will learn what it means to read a map and how 'keeping a thumb' can help you always know where you are.
Once you orient the map to the north and know where you are on the map, you will begin reading the map.
Map reading should be quite accurate. Even if you don't follow the map all the time, you should be able to quickly determine your location with a 20-meter margin of error. Does that sound difficult? Indeed, it's entirely possible when you learn various orientation techniques.
It's easy to lose contact with the map while running. If you feel you're losing contact with the map, slow down! Orient the map and check it frequently so that you can consistently follow LO and AO.
Pay attention: What is in front of you? What is to your right? What is to your left?
You can start with map reading practice using LO, such as paths and streams, and reliable AO, such as intersections, large marshes, slopes, buildings, and large rocks. Gradually, you can use slightly less prominent LO, such as vegetation boundaries, power lines, and edges of large marshes, and AO, such as small hills, small marshes.
If you learn to look at the map to see what is about to appear in the area in front of you, it will be even easier to stay in constant contact with the map.
When searching for a control point, create a plan. First question: "Where am I?" Second question: "Where will I go, run?" Hold the map in front of you, turn it in the direction you will move, and orient the map. Keep your thumb on the spot on the map where you are. As you move from one control point to another, move your thumb forward.
Your thumb follows the same route on the map as you do in the area. This facilitates navigation and allows you to quickly determine where you are next time you look at the map. This is called thumb holding.
Smartly fold the map so that you can always use the thumb technique while moving. You will likely need to refold the map several times as you tackle the route.
