Digital Terrain Slides Digital Terrain Analysis
Lesson 1: Precision Planning for Outdoor Leadership
The "As the Crow Flies" Trap
In 2018, a group attempted a 12-mile traverse in the North Cascades. They estimated 6 hours based on distance.
Reality:
4,500ft total elevation gain
Heavy "alder bashing" (bushwhacking)
Actual Time: 14 hours (Finished in dark)
Linear distance is a lie.
Terrain effort is the truth.
Digital Toolset
Map Layers
Combine USGS Topo, Shaded Relief, and Satellite imagery to "see" the ground before you arrive.
Slope Shading
Highlight steepness. Identify avalanche terrain (30°+) and impassable cliffs.
Offline Export
Digital plans are useless if not cached. Export GPX files and print physical backups.
Calculating Travel Time
Naismith's Rule
1
Allow 1 hour for every 3 miles (5 km) of forward travel.
2
Add 30 minutes for every 1,000 feet (300 m) of ascent.
"Go slow to go fast. Plan for the slowest person, not the fastest athlete."
Your Expedition Mission
Deliverables:
Interactive Route Map (CalTopo/Gaia)
Full Elevation Profile Analysis
Detailed Trip Data Card
Logistics (Parking, Permits, Water)
Today's Focus:
Step 1
Define start/end points and total mileage.
Step 2
Break route into "Legs" based on terrain changes.
Step 3
Calculate Naismith estimates for each leg.
Terrain Math Worksheet Terrain Math & Route Cards
Lesson 1: Digital Terrain Analysis | Expedition Leadership Mastery
NAME: ________________________________
DATE: ________________________________
Naismith's Rule Refresher
Horizontal: 1 hour per 3 miles (or 20 mins per mile)
Vertical: Add 30 minutes per 1,000 feet of ascent
Note: This is a base estimate for a moderately fit hiker with a pack. Adjustments for "Bushwhacking" (+50% to +100%) or "Steep Descent" (+10% for every 1000ft drop) are often necessary.
Part 1: Calculation Practice
Show your work in the space provided. Round to the nearest 5 minutes.
1. The High Divide Trail: 8.4 miles total distance with 2,400 feet of total elevation gain. What is the estimated travel time?
2. The Summit Push: 1.5 miles of steep trail with 1,800 feet of gain. Calculate the time. How does the "mph" feel here compared to a flat road?
3. The Off-Trail Shortcut: A 2-mile route through thick brush (double the time) with 500 feet of gain. Compare this to a 5-mile easy trail with 500 feet of gain. Which is faster? By how much?
Route Data Card: Digital Plan to Field Use
Leaders don't carry their full laptops. They carry "Data Cards" for quick reference. Using your assigned route in CalTopo/Gaia, fill out the data card for Leg 1 of your expedition.
EXPEDITION LEG CARD
LEG #: ________
Start Point
End Point
Estimated Time
Distance (mi)
Gain (ft)
Loss (ft)
Bearing (avg)
Terrain Features & Navigation Hazards
(List creek crossings, steep slope shading, cliff bands, or confusing junctions)
Emergency Bailout Strategy for this Leg
Route Logic Reflection
Why did you break the route at this specific point? What topographic feature served as your "Handrail" or "Catching Feature"?
Terrain Analysis Teacher Guide Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson 1: Digital Terrain Analysis
Instructor Resource
Instructional Goals
This lesson moves students from intuitive "map reading" to quantitative "route planning." The goal is for students to recognize that distance is secondary to terrain effort. By the end of this session, students should be able to produce a data card that reflects the actual physical requirements of a wilderness leg.
Key Terms
• Naismith's Rule
• Slope Shading
• Catching Feature
• Handrail
• GPX File
Terrain Math Answer Key
1. The High Divide Trail (8.4 mi, 2,400ft gain)
- Distance: \( 8.4 \div 3 = 2.8 \) hours (168 mins)Total: 240 mins (4 hours, 0 mins)
2. The Summit Push (1.5 mi, 1,800ft gain)
- Distance: \( 1.5 \div 3 = 0.5 \) hours (30 mins)Total: 84 mins (1 hour, 24 mins)
3. The Off-Trail Shortcut (2 mi brush, 500ft gain) vs. Easy Trail (5 mi, 500ft gain)
- Shortcut: \( (2 \div 3 = 40 \text{ mins}) \times 2 \text{ (brush penalty)} = 80 \text{ mins} + 15 \text{ mins gain} = \mathbf{95 \text{ mins}} \)Easy Trail: \( 5 \div 3 = 100 \text{ mins} + 15 \text{ mins gain} = \mathbf{115 \text{ mins}} \)Result: Shortcut is 20 minutes faster, but higher risk/effort.
Mapping Project Facilitation
Common Student Errors
Ignoring Micro-terrain: Digital maps smooth out small dips and bumps. Advise students to add 10% "wiggle room" to gain estimates.Leg Length: Legs that are too long (5+ miles) are hard to manage. Recommend legs of 1.5 to 3 miles based on major topographic changes.
The "Case Study" Hook
When presenting the failed expedition slide, emphasize that the leaders were "fit and experienced" but failed because they relied on a single metric (distance). Ask students: "If you were the leader at hour 8 in the dark, what would your first priority be?"
Mastering CalTopo/Gaia
Ensure students practice these three specific technical moves during the workshop:
Object Profile
Right-clicking a line to see the elevation profile and slope angle shading simultaneously.
GPS Mastery Slides Satellite Navigation Systems
Navigating the Global Grid
The Power of the Point
A GPS unit doesn't just show you "where you are." It shows you where you are within 3 meters of accuracy, anywhere on Earth.
Coordinate Challenge:
10T 476500E 5212300N
In 10 minutes, you will use this string to find a hidden cache. No map, just math and satellites.
The GNSS Network
GPS (USA), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (EU), and BeiDou (China) are constantly shouting their time and location at your pocket.
4+ Sats for 3D Fix
12k mi Orbital Altitude
The Grid vs. The Sphere
Lat / Long
Based on angles from Earth's core.
Degrees, Minutes, Seconds (DMS) or Decimal Degrees (DD).
Great for global flights; harder for ground math.
UTM (Grid)
Treats the Earth like a flat map (60 zones).
Measured in Meters (Eastings & Northings).
Pro Tip: Ground leaders prefer UTM for easy distance estimation.
"The GPS is a Secondary Tool."
A leader who only knows where they are because of a screen is a leader who is one battery failure away from disaster.
Map & Compass
Context & Big Picture
GPS / Satellite
Precision Confirmation
Know Your Failure Points
Battery Sag
Cold weather drops lithium-ion capacity by 50%+. Keep units against your body heat.
Multipath Error
Signals bouncing off canyon walls can put you "inside" the mountain on your screen.
Datum Mismatch
NAD27 map + WGS84 GPS = 200m offset. Match your settings or perish.
"Trust, but Verify."
Coordinate Master Worksheet Coordinate Master Worksheet
Lesson 2: Satellite Navigation | Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
NAME: ________________________________
DATE: ________________________________
Part 1: Anatomy of a UTM Coordinate
10T
Zone
0542310
Easting (Meters)
5234500
Northing (Meters)
1. Estimation Challenge:
You are at point A: 10T 450100E 5210000N. Your destination is point B: 10T 451100E 5210000N. How many meters away is it? In what cardinal direction?
2. The Elevation Jump:
Point C: 10T 450100E 5211000N. Compared to Point A above, how many meters North have you traveled?
Part 2: Waypoint Strategy
In a whiteout, you cannot see landmarks. You must rely on pre-programmed waypoints. Plan three "Confirmation Waypoints" for a steep ascent.
Label / Name UTM Coordinate (Full) Significance (Why here?) 1. BASE-CAM _________________________ Starting safe zone; water source. 2. RIGDE-INT _________________________ Example: Crucial turn onto the ridge... 3. BAIL-01 _________________________ Example: Nearest shelter point...
Field Troubleshooting Scenario
Scenario: The Mystery Shift
You are leading a group in the Cascades. Your GPS says you are at your waypoint, but you are looking at a 200-foot cliff that isn't on the map. You check your settings and see your GPS is set to WGS84 but your printed paper map says NAD27 .
1. What is the immediate problem here?
2. As the leader, what is your next action to regain navigational certainty?
Leader's Wisdom
"Electronic navigation tells you where you ARE. Traditional navigation tells you where you HAVE BEEN. Both tell you where you are GOING."
GPS Workshop Teacher Guide Instructor Workshop Guide
Lesson 2: Satellite Navigation Systems
Instructor Resource
Pre-Lesson GPS Configuration
Before students arrive, ensure all handheld units (or mobile apps) are set to the same standards. Mismatched settings are the #1 cause of navigational error in student groups.
Standard Datum
WGS 84 (Universal)
Standard Format
UTM / UPS
Equipment Check
Fresh Lithium AAs
Sky clearance test
Map regions cached
Hook: The Coordinate Challenge
Hide 5 numbered tokens (or orange flags) around the campus/area. Provide each student team with one coordinate. They must input it as a Waypoint and navigate to within 3 meters.
The Goal
Demonstrate that "Precision" is different from "Context." They find the flag, but don't yet know the terrain between here and there.
Debrief Prompt
"Did you look at the screen the whole time or look at the ground? What did you almost trip over while looking at the satellite?"
Worksheet Answer Key (Part 3)
1. What is the immediate problem?
Datum Mismatch. WGS84 (the satellite standard) and NAD27 (the legacy US Geological Survey standard) use different models of the Earth's shape. This results in a "grid shift" that can be anywhere from 10m to 200m depending on the location.
2. Next Action for the Leader?
1. Stop movement. Do not follow the GPS into unsafe terrain.
Pro-Tip: UTM Zone Boundaries
If your expedition crosses a UTM zone boundary (e.g., from Zone 10 to Zone 11), Easting numbers will reset drastically. Warn students to check the Zone Number if their coordinates suddenly look "impossible" during a long-distance trek.
Human Factor Slides Managing the Human Factor
Why Good Leaders Make Bad Decisions
The Two Faces of Hazard
Objective Hazards
"The mountain doesn't care that you're there."
Lightning / Weather
Rockfall / Terrain
River crossings
Subjective Hazards
"The choices you bring to the mountain."
Overconfidence
Complacency / Fatigue
Peer Pressure (Groupthink)
FACETS: Heuristic Traps in Action
Familiarity
"I've done this trail 100 times; it's always safe." (Ignoring current conditions)
Acceptance
Doing something risky just to fit in with the "cool" or "strong" group members.
Commitment
"We are only 500ft from the summit!" (Ignoring the incoming storm for the goal)
Expert Halo
The group follows someone because they *look* like they know what they are doing.
Tracks (Social Proof)
"Others crossed this river, so it must be fine." (Assuming others' safety is your own)
Scarcity
"This is the last sunny weekend of the season!" (Pressure to perform before it's gone)
Quantifying Risk
Risk = Probability × Consequence
High Consequence
Death, permanent injury, total group failure.
High Probability
Likely to happen given the current variables.
The "Red Zone"
Low Probability / High Consequence events (like lightning) are where leaders get caught off guard.
THE "GO / NO-GO" DEBATE
Scenario:
It's 1:30 PM. Your turnaround time was 1:00 PM. You are 15 minutes from the summit. Clouds are building, but it's not raining. The group is split: 3 want to push, 2 are exhausted.
GO
NO-GO
As the leader, what is your reasoning? (Subjective traps alert!)
Risk Assessment Worksheet Risk Assessment Matrix
Lesson 3: Managing the Human Factor | Quantifying Decisions
NAME: ________________________________
DATE: ________________________________
Part 1: The Probability/Consequence Matrix
A leader's job is to move hazards from the Red Zone to the Green Zone through mitigation. Use the matrix below to score hazards in the upcoming case study.
Probability of Occurrence
Negligible Minor Moderate Critical Catastrophic Almost Certain Medium High Extremely High Extremely High Critical Risk Likely Low Medium High Extremely High Extremely High Possible Low Low Medium High Extremely High Unlikely Very Low Low Low Medium High Rare Very Low Very Low Low Low Medium
Severity of Consequence
Case Study: The Granite Creek Crossing
"It's June. The group is crossing Granite Creek. The water is knee-deep and fast-moving. You are behind schedule. One student is visibly nervous about the water. Another student, the 'strongest' hiker, has already jumped across a narrow section and is waving for the group to follow."
1. Objective Hazards (List 2)
A.
B.
2. Subjective Hazards (FACETS)
Which traps are active here? Why?
3. Risk Scoring
Score the "Drowning/Swept Away" hazard before any mitigation.
Probability
Consequence
4. Mitigation Strategy
As the leader, how do you reduce the risk to 'Low' or 'Medium'?
Leadership Dilemma
If you decide not to cross, the group must hike 4 extra miles and miss their sunset goal. Some members will be frustrated and may challenge your authority. How do you communicate this "No-Go" decision to the group?
Risk Discussion Guide Risk Discussion Guide
Lesson 3: Managing the Human Factor
Instructor Resource
The Summit Dilemma (Hook Debrief)
Facilitation Prompts
"For those who said GO : What is the cost of turning back? How do you justify 15 minutes of risk?"
"For those who said NO-GO : How do you handle the potential resentment of the 3 members who want the summit?"
"Which FACETS trap is most active here? (Hint: Commitment and Social Proof)"
Leader Strategy
Guide students toward the "Pre-Mortem" technique: "If we go, and we get struck by lightning, how will we explain this decision to our families later?"
Goal: Shift from "Can we do it?" to "Should we do it?"
Historical Accident Analysis
Sample Case: Mount Hood (2002) - Multiple Fall
A large group was roped together. One person slipped, pulling 8 others down a steep snow slope. The "Expert Halo" trap was present as inexperienced hikers followed a popular but overconfident leader.
Trap: Expert Halo
Trap: Social Proof
Consequence: Critical
Sample Case: Lost Hiker - The "Shortcut"
A hiker left the trail to save 2 miles before dark. They became disoriented in thick brush and spent 3 days in the wild. The "Scarcity" of daylight forced a high-risk decision.
Trap: Scarcity
Trap: Commitment
Consequence: Major
Instructor Closing: Normalizing the "No"
End the lesson by emphasizing that a successful trip is one where everyone comes home. The summit is optional; returning is mandatory. Ask students to practice one phrase of "No-Go" communication for the field:
The Transparent Leader
"I'm noticing the clouds are building faster than we expected. To stay in our safety margin, we need to turn around now."
The Democratic Leader
"Looking at our turnaround time, we have 5 minutes left. If we don't hit the summit in 5, what's the group's bail-out plan?"
Emergency Protocols Slides When Plans Fail
Emergency Protocols & Ethics
Prioritizing Life
The Rule of 3s
In an emergency, your brain can panic. Use this hierarchy to focus your efforts:
3 MIN
Without Air or Blood Control
3 HRS
Without Shelter (Exposure)
3 DAYS
Without Water
"S.T.O.P."
Bridging the Gap to Help
PLBs & InReach
Two-way satellite communication. The modern standard for summoning Search & Rescue (SAR).
Signal Mirrors
Visible for 10+ miles in direct sun. Flash in sets of THREE (International SOS).
The "Last Resort"
Ground-to-Air signals (large X or V). Whistle blasts (3 short). Fire (last choice due to risk).
Leave No Trace in a Crisis
Does safety override the environment? Sometimes.
Use durable surfaces for shelters, even if it means more work.
Minimize ground disturbance. A signal fire is a high-impact choice.
Ethical Rule: Safety first, but don't cause a second emergency (e.g., a forest fire).
The "Stay Put" Ethic
Search & Rescue is easier when the target isn't moving. Staying put is both safer for you AND less impactful on the land.
The Blueprint for Survival: EAP
Crucial Components:
Bailout Points
Nearest road, ranger station, or helipad.
Comm Protocol
Check-in times and the "Overdue" contact.
Med-Evac Info
Nearest Level 1 Trauma center and GPS coords.
Chain of Command
Who makes the call if the leader is injured?
EAP Blueprint Worksheet Expedition EAP Blueprint
Emergency Action Plan | Lesson 4
EXPEDITION: ____________________________
LEADER: ________________________________
An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is not a set of instructions; it is a decision-making framework . It ensures that when panic sets in, the logistics of rescue are already solved. Complete the sections below for your planned route.
1. Communications Protocol
Primary Satellite Device
(e.g., Garmin InReach, Spot Messenger, PLB)
Emergency Contact (Home Base)
The person who calls SAR if you are overdue.
Check-In Schedule
Day/Time/Frequency (e.g., Daily @ 1800 hrs)
The "Overdue" Trigger
At what time/date should SAR be contacted?
2. Evacuation Logistics
Evacuation Type Location / Exit Route Notes (Permits, Keys, Terrain) Self-Evacuation (Minor Injury) The group walks out together. Land-Based Rescue (SAR) Litter carry or assist needed. Air-Based Evacuation (Helo) Life-threat only; provide LZ coords. LZ 01: __________________ LZ 02: __________________
3. Internal Group Resources
Chain of Succession
1ST
2ND
3RD
Medical Summary
Note any critical allergies (e.g., bees, peanuts) or pre-existing conditions known by the group.
Crisis Ethics: LNT Checklist
In an emergency, LNT is still a goal. Which high-impact actions might you take to ensure survival, and how will you minimize their long-term footprint?
Signal Fire Location
Waste Management
Shelter Durability
Emergency Scenarios Resource Emergency Scenario Cards
Lesson 4: Crisis Management Simulations
Instructor Resource
Cut these cards out and distribute them to small groups. Each group must use their EAP Blueprint to solve the scenario.
Scenario Alpha
The Lower Leg Injury
Situation: 5 miles from the trailhead. A student slips on a wet root. Audible 'snap'. They cannot bear weight. It is 3:00 PM; sunset is at 5:30 PM. Weather is dropping to 40°F.
Primary Task:
Determine if this is a self-evac or a SAR call. Draft the initial SOS message for your satellite device.
Scenario Bravo
The Separation
Situation: During a bathroom break, one student wanders off. It has been 20 minutes since they were last seen. The terrain is dense forest with multiple social trails.
Primary Task:
Establish a "Point Hasty" search. When do you stop searching and call for professional help?
Scenario Charlie
The Ridge Exposure
Situation: Your group is on an exposed ridge. A sudden thunderhead develops. Lightning strikes a peak 1 mile away. Hair is standing on end. Nearest trees are 800 vertical feet below.
Primary Task:
Apply the 30/30 rule. Position the group for maximum safety. What LNT principles might you break here?
Scenario Delta
The Environmental Crisis
Situation: Temperature is 95°F. A student stops sweating, becomes confused, and skin is hot to the touch. You are in a desert canyon with no shade.
Primary Task:
Apply the "Rule of 3s". How do you create shade where there is none? What is your water management plan?
Facilitator Note: "The Overwhelmed Leader"
During these simulations, watch for students who try to do everything themselves. Encourage them to delegate (e.g., "You, get the InReach. You, start a patient assessment. You, check the map for the nearest LZ."). Leadership in a crisis is about managing resources, not just performing first aid.
Field Leadership Slides Field Leadership Simulation
Theory into Practice: The Expedition Hike
The Leader of the Day (LOD)
During the hike, we will rotate leadership every 60–90 minutes. When it is your turn, you are responsible for:
Primary Navigation
Group Well-being & Pace
Real-time Risk Assessment
The "LOD" Mindset
"A leader doesn't walk at the front; they walk where they can see the whole group. Sometimes that's the middle, sometimes it's the back."
Key Metric:
100% Group Success
Adaptive Leadership Continuum
Directive
"Do exactly what I say."
Use: High Risk / Emergencies
Consultative
"Here is my plan; what do you think?"
Use: Complex Decisions / Routine
Delegative
"You decide the best way to do X."
Use: Low Risk / Skill Building
The skill is knowing when to switch.
Simulation Injects
During the hike, the instructor will introduce Injects. These are simulated real-world changes that force you to adapt.
Environmental
"A microburst just hit the ridge ahead."
Technical
"The GPS signal is lost in this canyon."
The Final Debrief
AAR: After Action Review
01
What was supposed to happen?
Compare our digital plan to the reality.
02
What actually happened?
Identify the moment of deviation or success.
03
How can we improve?
What specific action would you change next time?
Field Leadership Log Field Leadership Log
Leader of the Day (LOD) | Reflection & Checklist
LOD NAME: _____________________________
LEG TIME: ________ TO ________
The Leader's Briefing
Before you start your leg, brief your group on the following. Check them off as you go.
Goal: Where are we going?
Terrain: Steepness? Water?
Pace: Slow, medium, fast?
Hazards: Anything to watch for?
Bailout: Plan B if we stop?
Sweep: Who is in the back?
In-Field Decision Log
Record one significant decision you made or one 'inject' you handled during your rotation.
The Situation / Inject:
The Leadership Style Used:
Directive
Consultative
Delegative
The Outcome:
After Action Review (Self)
1. Communication Clarity
On a scale of 1-5, how well did the group understand your navigation plan?
VAGUE
CRYSTAL
2. "Soft Skills" Reflection
How did you manage the "Human Factor" (e.g., fatigue, peer pressure, or over-commitment)?
3. Growth Opportunity
If you were to lead this exact same leg tomorrow, what is the #1 thing you would do differently?
"Leadership is not a rank; it is a responsibility."
Simulation Injects Resource The "Inject" Deck
Lesson 5: Field Leadership Simulation
Instructor Resource
"Injects" are planned disruptions designed to test a leader's ability to adapt. Introduce these unexpectedly during the hike. Observe how the current Leader of the Day (LOD) reacts, communicates, and prioritizes.
Inject 01: Environmental Shift
"The Storm Warning"
Tell the LOD: "You just received a weather alert on your InReach. A severe thunderstorm with lightning is expected to hit this ridge in 45 minutes."
Look For:
Does the leader speed up or turn around? Do they check the map for lower ground immediately?
Style Check:
This requires Directive leadership. If they are too consultative, the group stays in the 'red zone'.
Inject 02: Technical Failure
"The Dead Battery"
Confiscate the LOD's GPS unit and primary paper map. Tell them: "Your electronics have failed due to cold, and your map just blew off a cliff."
Look For:
Does the leader utilize group resources (other students' gear)? Do they stop to regain situational awareness?
Style Check:
This is a great moment for Delegative leadership—assigning others to check their backups.
Inject 03: The Human Factor
"The Complacent Navigator"
Secretly tell one student to intentionally lead the group 50 yards off-trail or take a wrong turn at a junction when the LOD isn't looking.
Look For:
How long does it take for the LOD to notice? Do they trust the group too much ("Expert Halo") or verify their own location?
Style Check:
Requires Consultative leadership to "reset" the group's navigation together.
Master Instructor Strategy
Safety First: Ensure that no inject actually places the students in real danger. You are a "shadow leader"—always aware of the real situation even while playing the "simulated" one.
Normalizing Failure: If an LOD fails to handle an inject well, emphasize that this is the best possible place to fail. Use it as a powerful teaching moment in the AAR (After Action Review).
