Compass -- A Beginners Guide For How To Use One

This article explains how to use a handheld baseplate (also called a protractor or orienteering compass) for land navigation

. Another type of compass, called a lensatic compass works a little differently, and will not be covered in this article. Baseplate compasses are the most commonly used type for general outdoor recreation.

The first thing to learn is how to hold the compass properly. Be sure to keep the compass flat and level, so that you are looking down at it. Point the compass so that the direction of travel indicator at the top of the compass dial is facing away from you. A good way to remember how to hold the compass is to dangle it from your neck by the lanyard. When you lift the compass and hold it flat, it will be facing the correct direction -- with the direction of travel indicator facing away from you and toward your intended direction of travel.

Second, observe the magnetic needle. The basic thing to remember about the needle is that red end of the needle ALWAYS POINTS NORTH. Once this fact is second nature to you, you'll need to understand that slightly weird notion that there is more than one NORTH. The magnetic needle points toward Magnetic North. Maps are lined up with geographic (also called true) north. If you are using your compass with a map, you will have to learn how to make a correction for this phenomenon (called magnetic declination) before reading your compass. The correction is not difficult to make, but we will ignore it until you begin to use map and compass together.

Next, sight an object or direction you would like to travel: face in the direction you would like to determine or travel, whether it is toward a landscape feature like a hill or just a path you plan to hike. Now, carefully line up the direction of travel indicator with the object or direction you wish to travel. You can do this by looking at the object then glancing down at the properly held compass while slightly adjusting the way your body is facing until everything lines up. Always keep your body and the compass lined up and moving as a single unit.

Now set the compass. Holding the compass still, twist the dial until the hollow orientation arrow lines up beneath the needle. When the needle is "boxed" in this manner, the compass is set.

Finally, read the Compass: The number on the compass dial that lines up with the direction of travel indicator at the top (front) of the compass dial is your direction, also called your bearing. It can be expressed in a number of ways including the quadrant or azimuth method depending on the type of compass you have. The azimuth method is easiest. It is a single number between 0-360 degrees, where 90 is East, 180 is south, 270 is west, and 360 (and 0) is north.

Practice these steps, holding the compass properly, sighting an object, setting the compass, and reading the bearing, and learn and practice using your map with a compass, adjusting for magnetic declination before getting into any serious backcountry navigation situations.

by: JJ Smith

POST COMMENT

Debt Relief Tips – How To Negotiate A Debt Settlement By Yourself The Beginners Helpful Fundamentals When Understanding As Well As Participating Countless Enjoyable B Save More Money Using American Greetings Promo Codes and Express Yourself Moving Boxes Supplies for Self Moving How To Deal With Acne Yourself What To Say To A Girl - Master The Art Of Expressing Yourself It Was Simpler For The Self Employed To Apply For Secured Loans, Mortgages And Remortgages. What Are The Basic Things You Will Need When You Are Camping? Why Should You Reserve Cheap Arizona Holidays And Treat Yourself With One Great Adventure The Joy Of Camping: Adventure Awaits Detailed Tips - Penis Enhancement - A Boost To The Male Self-Confidence Read Now - Natural Penis Enlargement - How To Get Yourself An 7 9 Or Even 10 Inch Penis Importance Of Career Planning And Self-development In Life