Maps, compasses, GPS units and the principals of navigation

Citation

Edwards A & White L (2000) Maps, compasses, GPS units and the principals of navigation. In: White L & Edwards A (eds.) Conservation research in the African rain forests: a technical handbook. New York, NY, USA: Wildlife Conservation Society, pp. 60-80. http://bioko.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/whiteedwards2000.pdf

Abstract
First paragraph: No conservationist or field researcher can do their job efficiently unless they understand the principals of navigation. This is particularly true for people working in the tropical rain forest, where visibility is restricted and large landmarks, such as mountain ridges, are generally obscured. Even on a well-known path, a forced detour around an angry elephant, or to go to the toilet, can leave you helplessly disoriented. However, if you do lose your way, you are carrying a compass and you have a good working knowledge of the area (such as knowing that a logging road running north-south is to your west, or that all rivers drain eastwards) you can never be lost. You simply have to follow a compass bearing towards a path, road or familiar river. If you ever do find yourself helplessly lost in a remote African rain forest, then follow any water course downstream and you should eventually find your way to areas used by people.