Navigating with a compass has been used for centuries, guiding adventurers through trails, oceans and roads. Having an effective knowledge of a compass is necessary to many outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, hunting, and rescuing. Here are 5 tips on how to use a compass to make sure you always find your way.
1. Understand the Parts of a Compass
Orienting Arrow
The orienting arrow is fixed to the bottom of the compass and is used to rotate the bezel to different directions. This arrow should always stay lined up with the North indicator on the bezel.
Rotating Bezel
The rotating bezel is an important part of the compass, allowing you to measure and account for accuracy in compass navigation. Electric compasses have a magnetic bezel that has a red or black line in the middle. This line tells you which way is north and should be kept in alignment with the orienting arrow.
Background Plate
The background plate of the compass has a fixed, non-rotating hinge that helps keep the compass flat and stable on the ground. A reliable background plate will allow you to take more accurate readings and measure direction more quickly and precisely.
2. Get Familiar with Common Compass Symbols
Azimuths and Degrees
Azimuths refer to angles measured clockwise from a reference line. Most compass symbols, such as directions, are shown in degrees from North or South, measured in degrees from 0 to 360.
Magnetic North
Compasses point to magnetic north, not true north. Magnetic north is slightly offset from true north due to the changes in the earth’s magnetic field. Most good-quality compasses are calibrated with the most up-to-date information of magnetic declination, which accounts for this difference.
Direction of Travel Lines
These lines measure the direction you are facing and indicate the direction of the journey when you are planning your route. Most compasses have a line at the top or bottom of the compass that is marked “N” for North, “S” for South and “E” for East and “W” for West.
3. Learn to Read the Map and Terrain
Map Symbols
Reading a map requires some understanding of map symbols. The map will tell you if a particular feature or symbol on the map is a river, a small inlet, a road or a mountain peak. Once you understand the symbols, you can use them to help guide you in the right direction.
Comparing the Map and Terrain
Before you use the compass, you will want to compare the map to the terrain. By looking at the map, you can get an idea of what the terrain looks like. This will allow you to use the compass to find features on the terrain that match the features shown on the map.
Differentiating Topographic Features
Topography is the study of the shape and features of the Earth’s surface. When navigating a course, it is important to understand the different types of topographic features, such as mountains, valleys, ridges and hills. Learning to differentiate between the various types of terrain will make it easier to stay on track.
4. Learn to Take Measurements
Reading the Compass
When you use the compass to measure a direction, you will need to read the compass as accurately as possible. This means reading the azimuths for both the starting and ending points. When taking your bearing, you should start with the direction of travel line and line it up with the desired direction. It is important to make sure you are measuring the correct azimuth before you start your journey.
Measuring the Distance
It is important to take accurate distances. The measure of distances is usually divided into smaller units, such as fathoms, yards, meters and kilometers. Be sure to have an accurate measure of the distance from point A to point B before you set out on the journey.
5. Check Your Equipment
Regular Maintenance
To ensure that your compass is functioning properly, you should check the magnetism level periodically. It is essential to check the magnetism level to make sure your compass is accurate and can correctly guide you in the right direction.
Test It Out
It is important to take your compass out for a test run before you set out on your journey. This will give you a chance to become familiar with the various features and measurements of the compass, as well as verify the accuracy of your measurements.
Keep It Clean
To maintain accuracy, it is important to keep your compass clean. You should make sure there is no dirt or dust on the parts that move and make sure the lens is free from scratches or smudges. If the compass is not well maintained, it could lead to inaccurate readings or incorrect direction.
People Also Ask
How do you read a compass?
Reading a compass is a matter of understanding the direction indicators and symbols, taking measurements and comparing the terrain to the map. It is important to learn the different types of topographic features, as well as azimuths and degrees.
How accurate is a compass?
The accuracy of a compass depends on how well it is maintained and how well the directions are interpreted. A compass should be regularly checked for correct magnetism level and it should be kept clean to ensure accuracy.
What should I do if my compass is wrong?
If you find your compass is inaccurate, you should check to make sure it is properly maintained and that the directions are interpreted correctly. If the compass is still wrong, it may be time to purchase a new compass or have your current one calibrated.
Final Words
Using a compass is a vital skill for any outdoorsman or explorer. With the right knowledge and understanding of how to use a compass, you can make sure you never get lost and find your way home safely.