basics for map reading. latitude and longitude. the map you've posted is showing you peaks and valleys. note the altitudes and how they descend from peaks which look like fucked up circles. that aspect of reading the map should be fairly self explanatory.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O8DmkAC2wII was explained this process many times. I didn't "learn" it and become confident with a compass, both in water and on land, until i began doing it. after a few tries i felt much more secure in my abilities with a compass.
-bearing-longitude-red fred in the shed nigger
