This workshop is intended to introduce fundamental concepts and skills for navigating in the backcountry. I'll go over the basic use of maps, a variable declination compass, GPS (GNSS) instruments, and digital topographic mapping software. I will also present some considerations for route-planning and risk mitigation.There's no background knowledge or experience that's required - everyone is welcome from beginners to folks looking to reacquaint themselves with the basics.

Note that I'll be delivering this material as a professional geoscientist, with experience managing field work in remote locations and an academic background in GPS instrumentation. I'm not a mountain guide, but happy to share material that can be of use to recreationists. 

Logistically, we'll spend the morning in a classroom at Capilano University going over the theory and doing a couple of desk-based exercises. In the afternoon we'll head to Inter River Park to do some outdoors exercises, rain or shine (but hopefully shine). 

For supplies, I suggest that you bring:

• a declination adjustable compass with a sighting mirror (you can find these for about $30 from places like Valhalla/MEC, doesn't need to be fancy)
• a weather-resistant notebook and pencil/pen that can write in the rain (regular notebook is great, too)
• a paper map (anywhere you want)
• a phone and/or laptop with digital topographic mapping software (with the area covering Inter River Park, Grouse Mountain, and Lonsdale Quay already downloaded, ideally)

None of those is required - just bring yourself and a good attitude if that's what you've got. I don't know if we'll have wifi, so please make sure you've downloaded anything you need ahead of time or are prepared to hot spot off your own phone. I'll be demonstrating with Gaia, but folks commonly use CalTopo, Granite, or even Google Earth. 

We can accommodate about 30 people, with preference given to BCMC Winter Mentorship folks and those who are newer to backcountry navigation.