| What it is | Position from bearing + distance |
| Inputs | Known start, direction, distance/time |
| Used in | Fog, whiteout, dark, featureless terrain |
| Limitation | Errors accumulate — verify often |
Dead reckoning is estimating your current position from a known starting point by tracking the direction (bearing) you’ve traveled and the distance covered. Combined with timing and pace counting, it lets you navigate when landmarks are hidden — in fog, whiteout, darkness, or featureless terrain — though small errors accumulate, so it’s checked against known features.
The inputs
Follow a bearing from your compass and measure distance with a pace count and the map scale.
Frequently asked questions
What is dead reckoning?
Dead reckoning is a navigation method where you estimate your current position from a known starting point by keeping track of the direction you've traveled (a compass bearing) and how far you've gone (by pace count or timing). It tells you roughly where you are without needing to see landmarks.
When do you use dead reckoning?
When you can't see well enough to navigate by terrain — in fog, whiteout, darkness, dense forest, or flat featureless country. By following a set bearing and measuring distance, you can travel accurately to a target even with zero visibility, which is vital in alpine and winter conditions.
What are the limitations of dead reckoning?
Errors in your bearing, pace count, or for drift around obstacles accumulate over distance, so your estimated position grows less certain the farther you go. Navigators minimize this by traveling in short legs, aiming for large 'catching features,' and confirming position against known points whenever possible.
Sources
- Wilderness navigation — The Mountaineers
- Navigation skills — American Hiking Society