Read the land.
Stay found.
Did you know? Getting lost is the 2nd leading cause of SAR calls in BC.
Learn the fundamentals of mapping and navigation in the backcountry with ACMG Apprentice Hiking Guide Alex Mackenzie.
Bonus: Once you complete this course and pass the short knowledge quiz, you'll get 3 months of Granite Pro on us!
Presented by
4 topics that could save your life.
We worked with BC Search and Rescue teams to identify 4 key pieces of knowledge that could prevent you from getting yourself in a situation where you might need SAR in the first place.
If you are in trouble, never hesitate to call Search and Rescue by dialing 9-1-1 or activating SOS on your satellite communication device.
The sooner you call, the sooner they can help. SAR is a free service in British Columbia provided by volunteers.
-
01: Maps & scale
-
02: Topography & contour lines
-
03: Identifying terrain features
-
04: How to find yourself with a map
Maps & Mountains 101.
4 episodes · ~15 min · free, no sign-up
Get Granite Pro on us for 3 months when you watch all 4 episodes and pass a short quiz at the end.
- 01Start here
Maps & scale
Digital vs. paper maps, reading scale, measuring distance, and choosing the best map for your adventure. Plus: how learning navigation supports BC search and rescue teams.
- 02
Topography & contour lines
Ever wondered what those squiggly lines on your map mean? Learn what topography is, how to read contour lines, understand index contours and intervals, and how to avoid getting cliffed out.
- 03
Terrain features
Apply your contour knowledge to identify peaks, saddles, ridges, drainages, and spurs. Learn how to pick the right water source and what the colours on your map actually mean.
- 04
Find yourself in the backcountry
Put it all together. Use terrain features and tools you already have to locate yourself on a map. Includes BC AdventureSmart's S.T.O.P. protocol and what to do when you're still uncertain.
Already watched on YouTube? Skip straight to the quiz to claim your 3 months of Granite Pro.
Alex Mackenzie
Alex Mack is an adventure photographer and ACMG Apprentice Hiking Guide based in Vancouver, BC. Before turning to photography full-time, Alex completed a PhD in cardiovascular physiology, and continues to join high-altitude research expeditions across the world. Locally, Alex has led navigation clinics and educational hikes across the Sea-to-Sky region with a focus on building practical skills to stay safe and confident in the backcountry.
@alexmacknziePre-trip checklist
Small preparation steps make a huge difference in an emergency.
- 1
Research your route
Know the terrain, weather, daylight, avalanche conditions, and water crossings.
- 2
Download offline maps
Save maps before you lose service so you can navigate or locate yourself in an emergency using apps like Granite.
- 3
Share your trip plan
Tell someone where you're going, who you're with, your route, and when you expect to return.
- 4
Set a check-in time
Agree exactly when your contact should call Search and Rescue if they don't hear from you.
- 5
Stick to your plan
Changing routes or destinations makes it much harder for rescuers to find you.
- 6
Carry the essentials
Bring layers, food, water, light, shelter, first aid, and signalling devices — even on short trips.
In case of emergency
The decisions you make in the first few minutes can help you get found faster.
S.T.O.P.
Stop. Think. Observe. Plan.
Take a few deep breaths and stay calm.
If you have a satellite-capable device or emergency communicator, call for help immediately.
- 1
Stay where you are
Unless your current location is unsafe, stay put. Wandering makes you harder to find.
- 2
Make yourself visible
Use whistle blasts, a headlamp, bright clothing, reflective items, or a fire when safe.
- Three whistle blasts is a universal distress signal.
- 3
Protect yourself from the weather
Use extra clothing, emergency blankets, or natural shelter to stay warm and dry while waiting for help.
- 4
Conserve battery power
Reduce screen brightness, close unused apps, and preserve battery for emergency communication and satellite messaging.
Prepared people are found faster.
Get 3 months of Granite Pro on us.
Simply watch all 4 episodes and pass the quiz to unlock 3 months of Granite Pro.
Get access to
- Digital guidebooks written by ACMG guides
- 3D Offline maps & navigation
- Advanced map layers
- Community trip reports
Supporting BC AdventureSmart.
Getting lost is the 2nd leading cause of Search and Rescue callouts in British Columbia. Granite teamed up with BC AdventureSmart to create this course to help our community explore the backcountry in a more educated, informed and safe way. Our goal is to help you stay found, and to ultimately reduce the growing number of callouts our volunteer-driven SAR groups are asked to respond to.
Want to learn more?
Dig deeper into each topic through additional webinars from BC AdventureSmart.