Navigating Using A Compass
| Field | Navigation/Survival |
| Went Obsolete | Never |
| Made Obsolete By | GPS |
| Knowledge Assumed | Where you are, reading a map legend |
| When useful | When the GPS is broken or all the time by the British Royal Navy (or any other Navy) |
While this skill isn't totally obsolete, the rapid increase in the usage of GPS units has meant that most people can get by without knowing how to use a compass these days.
Times when this skill is still useful:
- When navigating at sea (due to a GPS not reacting fast enough, or GPS systems not working due to the harsh nature of some voyages)
- When orienteering
- When in locations that don't provide the needed direct line-of-sight to the sky for a GPS to work
- When scuba diving. GPS doesn't work underwater.
- When the batteries die on your cell phone and GPS because you've been out in the woods too long!
They British Royal Navy do not use GPS for navigation within sight of land. Also all navigation officers regularly confirm GPS position using traditional navigation methods. GPS can not be relied upon in a time of war.
