Not exactly a broad subject, but one specific enough to warrant its own thread without having to search through 2 or 3 different threads to find a specific answer.

My first question to everyone here: Where to do buy your maps?

I have a topographical state atlas for the local area, which is usable, but not preferable. It is large and heavy, and not very detailed. I have used it in the past during hunting trips, but was only really good for "not getting lost" and very rudimentary navigation, and not much else.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51uiTQWUwsL._SY300_.jpg

As I've said elsewhere, I would prefer to find a military style topographical map, in a 1:50,000 scale preferably for use with my lensatic compass and protractor for use in the areas that I frequent most.

I have found a couple sites where you can download topo maps, and even order laminated prints for $6.95.

http://www.mapsport.com/
http://store.usgs.gov/b2c_usgs/b2c/start/(xcm=r3standardpitrex_prd)/.do

Has anyone ever used these? How detailed are they (scale, marginal information, etc)?

Maybe we could move some of the posts that spawned off the gear thread when the compass was introduced into the conversation. When links are duplicated does it add to band width?

I get my maps from an outfitters store that specializes in precious metals prospecting. Also 4x4 offroad resources can be useful.

There is another thread on navigation in this sub-forum.
http://vnnforum.com/showthread.php?t=113732

If you go here, and look at the map on the right hand side, and go to pages 10 and 11, it shows topo details down to 1:62500.
http://nationalmap.gov/ustopo/index.html

Nowadays I mostly go fishing, so not much need as long as they show rivers.
Maybe ask an army/navy store, they're usually run by vets, and could help.
The local towns will have very detailed maps for nearby areas for use by town planners/tourism agencies, often they sell copies of very detailed maps, even down to soils, at the municipal offices.

When going to sleep, nearby make an arrow out of stones or mark trees as to which way to head the next morning.

Best is to just stay put, but if not possible, especially on stony ground/in brush, then marking every couple trees or putting up/arranging/making marks some stone/branch direction markers/breaking branches/vegetation and putting it pointing where you're going will help you get found, find if you're circling, and if you get lost you can get back on track again, or reverse course deliberately

Searchers use dogs, but if it rains, or is stony ground,your scent disappears. Marking stones/trees makes it easier to track your route.

Easiest is to follow next to water channels.

I'd also just like to say thanks, guys. This sub-forum has really taken off. From the number of views, this topic is clearly bringing people in to the forum.

Compass Video.
I just picked up the SUUNTO MC2 made in Finland.
If there is something different to be noted besides what is in this video, then I will post it up.
Compass Overview - Suunto, Silva, Brunton and USGI Lensatic Cammenga Compasses - YouTube

Land Navigation.

This is something that I wonder if most people actually understand. Magnetic Declination, shooting an azimuth, back azimuth, etc. Land Navigation was one of the subjects that caused the most failures in Primary Leadership Development Course in the US Army.

I am so comfortable with the simple lensatic military compass, I would have a difficult time using anything else.

Basic Map Reading: Direction, Orientation, And Location With A Compass pt1-2 1966 US Army 15min - YouTube

What a terribly boring video. Thankfully, they updated them by the time I served. The information was still relevant, however.

Things like how to find an unknown position from two known positions, back azimuths and pace count bring back memories.

I remember the land navigation course on Ft Knox, KY at PLDC. The most difficult point I had to find.....750 meters straight line distance away (most were 400 meters or less), across severe terrain (several steep draws and spurs). Being given grid coordinates, plot them on a map, and then navigate to them on foot across wilderness terrain - to find an exact point within 10m, and having to do so within a time limit, isn't exactly easy. A large portion of the group would fail to do so the first time around.

Night land nav was even harder. Thank goodness I've always had a good sense of direction, and already knew how to navigate (rudimentary) by the stars.

I watched both videos, 1 and 2, and they were a little stale, but worth the time and bookmarked for future reference. Thanks for posting.

Here is a vid that covers a few primitive ways for finding direction.
Primitive Navigation and a portable Sundial Compass - YouTube

How to read a map and navigate land - YouTube

How to Shoot an Azimuth - YouTube

Pace Beads, AKA Ranger Beads. Keeping track of distances coursed.

Ranger Beads and Pace Counting - YouTube

Pace Count and Ranger Beads part 1 - YouTube