What action should you take if you become lost during navigation?

When navigating and you find yourself lost, the best course of action is to stop, reorient your map, and identify your location. This approach allows you to gather your thoughts and assess your surroundings without moving in an uncertain direction, which could lead to further confusion or peril. By stopping, you reduce the possibility of making poor decisions that stem from panic or haste.

Reorienting your map involves aligning it with recognizable terrain features, such as hills, rivers, or other landmarks. This helps in pinpointing where you are on the map. Identifying your exact location is crucial for determining the next steps, whether that's retracing your path, continuing to your destination, or finding a safe place to wait for further assistance. This methodical approach emphasizes critical thinking and ensures a clear understanding of your position before making additional moves.

Moving toward a landmark without first confirming your location can result in additional disorientation, while relying solely on phone navigation might not always be reliable if you're in an area with limited signal. Similarly, calling for assistance can be beneficial but should be considered once you have assessed your situation and determined a clearer plan of action based on your map reading skills.