Cicerone Navigation: How to Read Maps and Use a Compass

Maps: Cicerone Navigation is a practical guide to map reading and compass skills for walkers. It covers fundamentals such as scales, grids, contours and bearings, with exercises and advice on GPS, route planning and navigation in challenging conditions.

At a glance

Covers map scales, grids, symbols, contours, compass use, bearings and route planning.
Includes guidance for navigation at night and in poor weather.
Illustrative map extracts, diagrams and practical exercises support learning.
Includes advice on GPS devices and computer mapping as complements to traditional navigation.
Listing describes a compact format and says it includes a romer plus map-scale, timing and pacing charts.

Price

£10.16Save 22%

Reference price: ~~£12.95~~

Price checked: 12 Nov 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Covers foundational map-and-compass topics alongside more challenging navigation scenarios.
Exercises and visual aids offer ways to practise concepts rather than relying only on text.
Small listed dimensions and weight suit walkers looking for a compact reference.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Book details
Publisher	Cicerone Press
Edition	2nd
Publication date	8 Nov. 2019
Language	English
Print length	152 pages
ISBN-10	185284891X
ISBN-13	978-1852848910

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions	10 x 0.9 x 15.5 cm
Weight listed	100 g

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Walkers learning map reading and baseplate compass skills.
Hikers who want a concise reference for bearings, route planning and navigation in poor weather or at night.
Readers who want traditional navigation instruction with introductory GPS and computer-mapping context.

Less suited to

Readers seeking a standalone GPS device, compass or physical map rather than an instructional book.

Cicerone Navigation: How to Read Maps and Use a Compass · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.6 / 5 · 275 ratings

5 stars73%73%
4 stars21%21%
3 stars4%4%
2 stars2%2%
1 star0%0%

Customer feedback highlights the guide's usefulness for learning navigation basics, its compact size and clear explanations. Some feedback specifically notes that it makes standard baseplate compass use simpler. For walkers wanting a portable introduction to map-and-compass skills, those impressions align with the book's stated focus and compact listed dimensions. Aggregate ratings are mostly in the higher star categories, but they do not establish how every reader will find the content or its level.

Positive themes

Customers describe the guide as useful for learning navigation basics and appreciate its compact size.
Feedback highlights readability, with one customer noting that standard baseplate compass use is explained more simply.

Frequently asked questions

What navigation topics does the book cover?

The listing describes coverage of map scales, grids, symbols, contours, compass use, bearings and route planning, with advanced techniques for night and poor-weather navigation.

Does it include practical learning aids?

The listing says it includes map extracts, diagrams, graphics and practical exercises. It also describes quick-reference material including a romer and map-scale, timing and pacing charts.

Does the guide cover GPS?

Yes. The listing says it includes advice on GPS devices and computer mapping as tools to complement map-and-compass skills.