A walking stick navigator (WSN) apparatus and process comprises an aided INS (AINS) on a staff assembly similar in operation and appearance to a GPS survey instrument. However, when GPS is available, the AINS is aided by GPS data, and the surveyor manipulates the staff assembly like a standard GPS survey instrument. When GPS is not available due to signal obstruction, the surveyor manipulates the staff assembly as a walking stick. A switch means coupled to the lower end of the staff assembly provides a stationary interval signal when the surveyor plants and holds the WSN on the ground while walking. An input process is coupled to the AINS output signals and to the stationary interval signals and provides at least one aiding input signal to the AINS for each successive stationary interval, thereby allowing the AINS to control its velocity error and position drift during a GPS outage.