VFR Nav - reading from ground to map
 

I read in the Pilot mag that I should be on the lookout for features on the ground which I can then search for on my map.
I've always done it the other way around, "anticipation" - or something.
Am I doing it the hard way?

No you are correct, unless you are lost, in which case you do do ground to map.

Terrain Ahead is spot on.

A point to remember:

Everything on the map was at some time on the ground

There is no guarantee that anything on the ground has ever been on the map

Rules are for the guidance of wise men. I personally don't look gift horses in the gob - if a fantastic dogs b@@locks unique (ish) feature appears nearby I use it. Adds to the warm and fuzzy feeling

I've therefore never been lost - only momentarily utterly unaware of my position.
Yeh right!!!!

I teach that the most important things required for navigation (assuming you have a flight plan prepared) are a clock and a compass. Maps are optional, for error correction only...

But I'll try anything to stop students from staring at the ground every two minutes to figure out where they are.

Stillin1 - agree totally! Plus local knowledge is a wonderful thing...

O8