Introduction to Digital Navigation

"It was such an enjoyable and informative morning. I’m quite confident I will never get lost again" FIONA MURRAY

Have the confidence to explore new places with this hands-on outdoor session! Learn how to use a map app on your smartphone to find your way around so you can venture beyond familiar paths. This interactive learning experience will equip you with essential skills to plan routes, stay on track, and feel at ease in unfamiliar places.

What to Expect

During this 3 hour outdoor learning course you can expect to learn:

• How to locate yourself on the map
• How to create a live trace of your route
• How to follow a pre-defined route
• How to see if you’ve gone off-track
• How to use the app to make route choices on the ground (eg if need an escape route or to go a different way from what was planned for any reason)
• Understanding the map key – what do the different types of lines and colours mean
• Openstreet vs Topographic maps – benefits of each
• How to judge distance and therefore also time a route (or section of a route) will take
• Tips for battery-saving
• Free vs paid versions of mobile mapping apps
• How to use these apps when you have no mobile signal

Good to Know

All participants are required to bring their own smart phone.

Pre-course information will be sent out to all registered attendees with detailed set-up instructions (saves time on the day).

The app used to demonstrate the above outcomes is Visorando, which is free to download. Following the course, attendees can resort to their app of choice or continue to use Visorando. All attendees of an Introduction to Digital Navigation session benefit from a 3 month trial of 'Visorando Premium', meaning you will have free access to all premium app features for that period. Read more about Visorando in this review.

To maximise your enjoyment of the experience, attendee numbers are limited to 5 per session.

This event is unsuitable for dogs.

Transport & Facilities

The courses take place in Ayrshire, south west Scotland, at Eglinton Country Park near Kilwinning. The easiest way to travel to Eglinton Country Park is by car. There is plenty of free parking onsite. If using public transport the closest train station is in Kilwinning, 2 miles away. From there it is possible to cycle (approx 10 mins) or walk (approx 40 mins) or take a bus to Irvine Road/A737. From the bus stop the start point is approx half a mile /15 minutes away on foot. Eglinton Country Park is accessible by bike with good cycle parking onsite. It is located close to the National Cycle Network routes 7 and 73.

The Route

We will cover a distance of 2-3 miles at a gentle pace, with frequent stops to discuss and learn. Expect a mixture of surfaced paths and woodland trails which can be uneven and muddy. 

What to Bring

Dress for the changeable Scottish winter weather and lots of standing around! Warm, waterproof clothing and plenty of layers are important in winter. Fingerless gloves or gloves with touchscreen capability are recommended if it is to be cold. A flask with a hot drink in it and some water, a snack you can eat whilst on the go. A fully charged mobile phone is obviously a requirement too.

Pricing

£45 per person

Please read our Terms & Conditions.

“I recently attended Gillian’s navigation course which I found really practical and easy to understand, using the Visarando App and map layers not only gave me confidence to be able to follow a route but also the skills to alter the route should I need to because of diversions or other issues. Everything from her pre course instructions and set up to follow up post course was very impressive.” TRACY MOYNIHAN, volunteer health walk leader, Sustrans Scotland/South Ayrshire Council