Judging distance in the wilderness can be a very tricky chore, but one that is vitally necessary, particularly if you are trying to cross a stream or river.

Luckily, math, or specifically, the principles of Geometry, can help you accurately estimate that distance with very little effort.

By using the Pythagorean Theorem, or A squared + B squared = C Squared, plus two landmarks, you have all you need to accurately estimate shorter distances (it works on longer distances too, but you need a lot of space to accurately execute the formula.

To do this, you need a landmark, three markers, the ability to turn at a right angle and the ability walk in a straight line.

After that, it is as simple as laying out your markers based on a set number of steps and lining to points (A and C) with your landmark to get the distance estimate.

To see how, check out the next page.

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