Advanced Navigation Scout Interest Badge

Navigation is more than following a map - it's about finding your way confidently using a range of modern and traditional techniques. In the Advanced Navigation Scout Interest Badge, you'll develop the skills to use maps, coordinates, GPS, GIS, and digital navigation tools to plan and complete challenging journeys. You'll learn how to combine technology with sound navigation skills, work effectively to lead a Patrol and confidently navigate through unfamiliar environments on land or water.

Badge Requirements

Prerequisite Knowledge and Training
Have passed the requirements for the following Scoutcraft Badges and be prepared to demonstrate any of those requirements:
- Map Reader Scoutcraft Badge
Digital Navigation Fundamentals
Demonstrate an understanding of GPS, prepare a GPS for navigation, and use South African coordinate systems confidently with topographical maps.
1. Describe:
  - How a Global Positioning System (GPS) determines your position;
  - Factors that can affect GPS accuracy and reliability; and
  - The advantages and limitations of standard GPS and Differential GPS (DGPS).
2. Demonstrate how to prepare a GPS receiver or suitable GPS navigation app for use by:
  - Turning it on;
  - Selecting the correct coordinate system;
  - Selecting the correct map datum;
  - Calibrating the compass, where applicable;
  - Confirming that it is ready for navigation.
3. Using a 1:50 000 topographical map and your GPS receiver or suitable GPS navigation app:
  - Demonstrate how South African geographic and projected coordinate systems are used on 1:50 000 topographical maps;
  - Accurately plot coordinates provided by the Examiner;
  - Determine the geographic and projected coordinates of at least five features shown on the map.
Waypoint Navigation
Demonstrate the ability to create, manage, and use waypoints effectively while integrating digital navigation with traditional map-reading skills.
1. Using a GPS receiver or suitable GPS navigation app:
  - Create, edit and save at least five waypoints.
  - Load waypoints supplied by the Examiner.
  - Navigate successfully to a selected waypoint.
2. Demonstrate how to:
  - Edit;
  - Delete;
  - Rename;
  - Select a waypoint for navigation.
Exploring Geographic Information Systems
1. Research and identify a suitable free GIS or online mapping application. Use the application to identify how attributes, such as names, elevations, land use or vegetation, are linked to mapped features, and explain how this information can support navigation or decision-making.
Advanced Navigation Expedition
Plan and lead an expedition of at least 10 km for a Patrol of at least four Scouts. The Examiner may approve completing up to half the expedition by watercraft, horseback, or bicycle. During the expedition:
1. Prepare a simple route plan showing the intended route, waypoints and key navigation checkpoints for approval by the Examiner before the expedition begins.
2. Load at least 10 waypoints supplied or approved by the Examiner into your GPS receiver or suitable GPS navigation app.
3. Successfully navigate to each waypoint using your GPS receiver or suitable GPS navigation app. Confirm your position at appropriate intervals during the expedition using a map and compass.
4. Demonstrate safe route selection, good judgement, and effective decision-making throughout the expedition.
5. Take responsibility for leading the Patrol for the entire expedition, demonstrating confident leadership, effective communication, sound navigation, and the ability to keep the Patrol safe, together, and on route throughout the journey.
6. During the expedition, explain to the members of the Patrol what you are doing and how you are using the GPS receiver or suitable GPS navigation app to support the navigation.
Expedition Review and Reflection
Following the expedition, reflect on the decisions made, challenges overcome, and lessons learned, and discuss with the Examiner:
- How effective your route planning and navigation decisions were throughout the expedition.
- Situations where GPS proved most useful.
- Situations where traditional map-and-compass navigation remained essential.
- Any navigation challenges encountered and how you or your Patrol overcame them.
- What you would do differently to improve the planning or navigation of a future expedition.

Recommended Age Range: The Advanced Navigation Scout Interest Badge is recommended for Scouts aged 14 to 17 years. At this age, Scouts have already mastered basic map reading and navigation skills and are ready to integrate digital navigation technology with traditional techniques. The badge develops problem-solving, expedition planning, teamwork, and decision-making skills suitable for older Scouts preparing for adventurous activities and leadership roles.

Badge Examiner: Training and examination for this badge must be conducted by a suitably qualified individual who has relevant experience or formal training in the specific field of expertise being assessed. The ideal examiner should be an experienced navigator, surveyor, GIS specialist, search and rescue member, adventure guide, or experienced Adult Leader with advanced navigation knowledge.

Note to the Examiner:

This is a Scout Interest Badge intended to assess a Scout's ability to confidently apply traditional and digital navigation skills during a realistic outdoor expedition. It is not intended to assess the competence of a professional navigator, surveyor, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialist.
The emphasis should be on practical application rather than theoretical knowledge.
Wherever possible, assess requirements through outdoor activities, hikes, and expeditions rather than through classroom questioning alone.
During the expedition, the Scout should demonstrate the ability to plan, lead, and navigate a Patrol safely and confidently throughout the entire journey. Assess leadership, route planning, navigation, decision-making, communication, situational awareness, teamwork, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions.
Scouts may use either a dedicated handheld GPS receiver or a suitable GPS navigation app on a smartphone or tablet to complete the practical requirements of this badge. Suitable applications include, but are not limited to, Gaia GPS, OsmAnd, Outdooractive, Locus Map, AllTrails, and Google Maps (where appropriate). These digital tools should complement, not replace, traditional navigation using a map and compass. Allowing suitable GPS navigation apps makes the badge more accessible and inclusive, recognising that many Troops do not have access to dedicated GPS receivers. The focus of the assessment is the Scout's ability to use GPS technology effectively for planning and navigation, rather than the specific device or application being used.
Where access to specialist GIS software is limited, the Scout may use a suitable free GIS or online mapping application, provided it enables the Scout to demonstrate the required knowledge and practical skills. The Scout should be encouraged to research and select an appropriate application rather than being expected to use a specific software package.
The Scout should demonstrate competence in using both traditional navigation methods (map and compass) and modern digital navigation tools (GPS receiver or suitable GPS navigation app). The use of GPS should complement, not replace, traditional navigation skills.
The expedition should be conducted in an environment appropriate to the Scout's experience and ability, with due regard for safety, weather conditions, terrain, and the SCOUTS South Africa Adventurous Activities and Safety Policies. The Examiner should ensure that the expedition provides sufficient opportunity for the Scout to demonstrate independent navigation, effective leadership, sound judgement, and safe expedition management.
The Examiner will not be present throughout the expedition. The Scout should therefore provide suitable evidence of the navigation exercise, such as GPS track logs, screenshots, photographs, or other digital records showing that the required waypoints were reached. This evidence should support the Examiner's assessment of the Scout's practical navigation skills.

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

Advanced Navigation Scout Interest Badge (PDF)

What You Need First

The following badges must be completed before undertaking this badge:

Map Reading Scoutcraft Badge

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