This post provides directions for how to use a compass with a map. Navigation is an important survival skill that everyone should have, especially hikers and campers.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link and purchase a product that I recommend, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why It’s Important
Knowing how to use a compass and map is an important life skill, especially if you spend time hiking, kayaking, camping, etc. In most remote areas, cell phone and GPS signal is scarce. Although there are many electronic options that can help you find your way, a compass does not rely on battery or signal. This makes a compass a very reliable option; if you know how to use it.
If you are lost without signal or battery life, a compass and map can direct you to safety.
How Does a Compass Work?
Most people are aware that a compass is a navigational tool, but do not know how it works. To put it simply, the earth has magnetic pull toward the north and south poles. The earth’s core is made of iron, which creates the magnetic pull. This tool uses a magnet that interacts with the poles to show you which way is north; allowing you to navigate using cardinal directions north, south, east and west.
Ideally, this tool is best used with a map so you know where you’re headed. Before setting out on a trip, acquire a printed map of the region so you can use your map and compass together for navigation.
How to Use a Compass
There are various designs that you can use for navigation. These instructions are specifically for using a baseplate compass.
1. Understand the Components
The primary components are the cardinal directions and the magnetic needle. Cardinal directions mark north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, and northwest. The magnetic needle is the component that moves freely to point towards magnetic north; typically marked red.
The compass features an adjustable bezel that encases the compass and spins 360 degrees. It also has a red orientating arrow inside the compass that only moves when you adjust the bezel. These are important components for step 4. (make sure you remember the difference between the magnetic needle and orientating arrow)
2. Adjust for Declination
North is slightly different on a map than on a compass. Although the difference seems small, this can mean over 1,000 miles of a difference in real life. True north is a fixed point on your map, while magnetic north is a flexible point that relies on constant changes in the earths’ core. This is commonly known as “declination”.
To calculate declination, and avoid traveling up to 1,200 miles in the wrong direction, click the link below provided by the National Centers for Environmental Information. Declination information can also be found on your map, but make sure to check the date as copies are revised as magnetic north changes.
3. Orientation
After your compass is adjusted for declination, you must now align your compass with your map. Place your compass flat on the map, and rotate the map to align the magnetic needle on your compass in the same direction as north on your map. (north on a map is easy to find, just turn it so the words are right side up)
Once you have orientated the map and compass, find out where you are. Look north for distinguishing features like lakes, peaks, roads, streams, etc. This may be difficult, but once you have located your approximate location on the map, navigation becomes much easier.
4. Take a Bearing
Using the straight edge of your compass, connect where you are to where you want to go. Make sure your directional arrow is facing the direction of where you want to go.
Spin the bezel until the lines inside the compass line up with the grid lines on your map. Make sure your orientating arrow is facing north on the map. (orientating arrow, not the magnetic needle!)
Now, line up your magnetic needle to the orientating arrow. Hold your hand out flat, with the compass facing upward. The orientating arrow and magnetic needle must be aligned at this step. Look down the arrow and pick a landmark. (trees, boulders, or any other large stationary objects will do!)
5. Get Moving!
Now that you have determined a landmark in the direction of your destination, walk toward that landmark. After you reach the landmark, recalculate orientation, take a new bearing, and repeat until you reach your destination!
Did you like this post? Click the link below for more travel content!
