What is the primary purpose of using terrain association in navigation?

The primary purpose of using terrain association in navigation is to utilize the surrounding terrain as a guide for orientation and route finding. This method relies on recognizing and relating physical landmarks, elevation changes, and other topographical features in the environment to the details shown on a map. By matching the landscape with the map, navigators can confirm their position, make better decisions about the best route to take, and enhance their situational awareness. This practice is particularly useful when electronic navigation aids are unavailable or when operating in areas with limited visibility.

While memorizing map details can be helpful, it is not the fundamental aspect of terrain association. Similarly, navigating without a compass is possible with terrain association, but the focus is on making use of the terrain itself rather than the absence of a compass. Identifying natural features is part of the process, but terrain association encompasses both natural and man-made landmarks, making this choice broader and more encompassing of the navigational strategies involved.