In today’s world of GPS and smartphones, it’s easy to overlook the importance of traditional navigation skills. However, a compass is an invaluable tool for any outdoor enthusiast, providing reliable direction when technology fails or isn’t available. Here’s a beginner’s guide to help you master the basics of using a compass.
Before diving into how to use a compass, it’s essential to understand its basic parts:
- Baseplate: The flat, rectangular base of the compass.
- Ruler: Often included along the edge of the baseplate for measuring distances on a map.
- Direction-of-Travel Arrow: An arrow on the baseplate that shows the direction you will travel.
- Rotating Bezel: The circular, rotating part marked with degrees from 0° to 360°.
- Magnetic Needle: A needle that points to magnetic north. One end is usually red to indicate north.
- Orienting Lines: Parallel lines inside the bezel that help align the compass with a map.
- Orienting Arrow: A fixed arrow inside the bezel that you align with the magnetic needle to orient the compass.
How to Hold a Compass
- Flat Surface: Hold the compass flat in your hand to ensure the magnetic needle can move freely.
- Level: Keep level to get an accurate reading.
- Direction-of-Travel Arrow: Point the direction-of-travel arrow away from you, in the direction you plan to move.
Finding North
- Rotate the Bezel: Turn the bezel until the orienting arrow aligns with the magnetic needle. This process is called “boxing the needle.”
- Direction-of-Travel Arrow: The direction-of-travel arrow now points north.
Using a Compass with a Map
- Align the Map: Place the map on a flat surface and align the top of the map (true north) with geographic north.
- Place the Compass on the Map: Place the edge of the compass along a north-south line (such as the edge of the map) with the direction-of-travel arrow pointing to the top of the map.
- Rotate the Map and Compass Together: Rotate the map and compass together until the magnetic needle aligns with the orienting arrow. The map is now oriented to the north.
Take a Bearing
A bearing is a direction to a specific point, measured in degrees.
- Point to the Landmark: Hold the compass flat and point the direction-of-travel arrow at your target.
- Rotate the Bezel: Turn the bezel until the orienting arrow is boxed with the magnetic needle.
- Read the Bearing: The bearing is the degree marking on the bezel at the direction-of-travel arrow.
Following a Bearing
- Set the Bearing: Set the desired bearing by rotating the bezel until the desired degree is at the direction-of-travel arrow.
- Box the Needle: Rotate your body until the magnetic needle is aligned with the orienting arrow.
- Follow the Direction-of-Travel Arrow: Move in the direction indicated by the direction-of-travel arrow, keeping the needle boxed.
Adjusting for Declination
Magnetic north and true north are not the same. The difference is called declination, which varies by location.
- Find Local Declination: Check a current map or online resource for your area’s declination value.
- Adjust the Bezel: If your compass has a declination adjustment, set it according to the local declination. If not, manually account for declination when taking or following a bearing by adding or subtracting the declination value.
Practice
Effective use requires practice. Here are a few tips to hone your skills:
- Start Small: Practice in a familiar area to build confidence.
- Combine Skills: Use both map reading and compass skills together.
- Challenge Yourself: Gradually increase the complexity of your practice environments, such as moving from parks to forests.
Mastering the use of a compass is a crucial skill for any outdoor adventurer. Whether you’re hiking, backpacking, or exploring uncharted territories, a compass can guide you safely to your destination. With practice and confidence, you’ll be able to navigate any terrain, even without the aid of modern technology.
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