How to Navigate 3rd Edition

As used by the NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Police Rescue Squad, Volunteer Rescue Association and TAFE NSW.

A straight-talking, modern approach to map reading and compass navigation, along with clear explanations of how to really navigate in the Aussie bush through deep awareness and observations of the world around us.

117 pages of photographs, diagrams, stories and how-to's, told from the perspective of a passionate bushwalker, involved in search and rescue.

While GPS devices and apps have increased in popularity over the past few years, the importance of the traditional skills of how to read a map, use a compass and navigate in the bush, hasn’t changed.

Learning to read map to ground and interpret the landscape, walking with the land - not against it, helps deepen our understanding of the world around us and our connection with it.

How to Navigate is suitable for novice navigators getting started, through to experienced bushies who want to brush up on their skills.

3rd Edition (2025)

The latest update has undergone a complete revision, including a new chapter on digital navigation with apps and sections on basic use of sun and stars, night navigation and insights into First Nations approaches to navigation.

There are new maps, illustrations, photographs, explainers, tips, memory joggers, with over 13 additional pages.

The update also features QR code links for those seeking further explanations or to dig deeper into the content including video.