Map Use and Navigation in Conservation Areas Training

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate the ability to orientate a map and identify key features using compass bearings and landmarks.
• Apply navigation techniques using both traditional map and compass methods and modern GPS devices.
• Analyze map scales, symbols, and contour lines to interpret terrain and plan safe routes.
• Create simple maps of conservation areas using field observations and basic cartographic principles.
• Evaluate navigation strategies in response to changing environmental conditions and emergencies.
• Demonstrate proficiency in recording and communicating location data for reporting and monitoring purposes.

Target Audience

This course is designed for conservation officers, field rangers, tour guides, and environmental educators who operate in conservation areas and require reliable navigation skills. It is also suitable for anyone involved in wildlife management or eco-tourism who needs to navigate safely and efficiently.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment

Course Outline

Practicals

Overview

The practicals are integral to this course, providing hands-on experience in map reading, compass navigation, and GPS use in a real conservation area setting. Learners will apply theoretical knowledge to plan and execute navigation routes, troubleshoot common issues, and integrate multiple tools for effective navigation.

Practical Activities

• Map and Compass Basics — Learners practice taking bearings, setting the map, and navigating short courses using only map and compass. (4h)
• GPS Familiarisation and Waypoint Navigation — Learners use GPS receivers to mark waypoints, navigate to them, and create simple routes in an open area. (4h)
• Integrated Navigation Exercise — Learners plan a multi-leg route in a conservation area and navigate it using map, compass, and GPS, with instructors observing. (6h)
• Night Navigation and Emergency Procedures — Learners navigate a short route at night using headlamps and compass, and practice emergency signaling and shelter building. (3h)
• Final Assessment: Solo Navigation — Each learner independently navigates a set route in a conservation area, demonstrating all skills learned. (3h)

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course via daily exercises, scored practical assignments, and a final summative test at the end.

Practical Assignments — 30%

Practical assignments are observed and scored against a rubric during the practical sessions. Each delegate's practical mark is averaged into a single 100% score and contributes 30% to the final total.

Daily Exercises — 20%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 20% to the final total.

Final Test — 50%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 50% to the overall mark.

Final Total

Component	Out of	Weight
Practical Assignments (rubric-scored)	100%	30%
Daily Average (multiple choice)	100%	20%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice)	100%	50%
Final Total	—	100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

How it works

• Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
• Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
• You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
• If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.

Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates	Discount
5	3% off
10	6% off
15	9% off
20	12% off
25	15% off
30	18% off
50	30% off
75	35% off
100	40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.