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There are a few important things you should know about how a compass works before using one in the wild. There are four main points on your compass: north, south, east and west. Around the whole compass, there are little measurements, called degrees.
- Step 1: Line Up Your Points
- Step 2: Align to Grid North
- Step 3: Adjust For Magnetic Variation
- Step 4: Line Yourself Up
- Don’T Move The Bezel
- Top Tips For Beginners
- A to B
- B to C
- C to D
- How to Take A Compass Bearing with Steve Backshall
To start with you need to know where you are on the map(point A) and where you want to go to (point B). Get the map flat – a stiff map case, flat rock or your knee works. Line up point A and B with either the side of your compass or one of the black lines running down the base plate, making sure that the direction of travel arrow is point in the di...
Now, hold the compass still and turn the compass housing bezelso that the “N” on the bezel and the orienteering arrow are point to grid north (the top of the map). To help do this – make sure that the orienteering lines are lined up with the easting lines on the map. Try to get this as accurate as possible – and if you have folded your map check wh...
Now you need to allow for the difference between magnetic north and grid north. We’re lucky in the UK that this variation is small, but where accuracy is important, you need to adjust for it. The adjustment varies across the country and you can generally find it printed on your map in the key. Look for ‘magnetic north’. Ignore any references to ‘tr...
Now put the map away. Be careful you don’t move the compass bezel. Hold the compass flat and near your body, with the big ‘direction of travel’ arrow pointing straight ahead. Turn yourself andthe compass around slowly until the red end of the needle lines up with the orienting arrow, as in the picture. The direction of travel arrow should still poi...
The two biggest errors by beginners are: Moving the bezel – it’s set and should not be changed at this point. Secondly, not holding the compass pointing directly away from the body. Also, be aware of any magnets or metal near the compass: mobile phones, magnetic buttons, metal belts and similar can ‘deflect’ the compass needle, making it inaccurate...
If you’re unsure about using a compass the best thing to do is get the map of an areayou know really well, where you wouldn’t usually need a map to get around. Take yourself off for a walk, using the map and a compass to navigate your way as you reach each turning. This way you shouldn’t get lost and you can compare that the direction you think you...
SU 236 042 to SU 244 048 Initial measurement: 52° from north Add 1° for variation Heading: 53°, distance: 1.01 km
SU 244 048 to SU 250 048 Initial measurement: 91° from north Add 1° for variation Heading: 92°, distance: 0.59 km I’ve ignored the slight kink in this path, but in poor conditions add an intermediate waypoint.
SU 250 048 to SU 249 058 Initial measurement: 352° (just off true north) Add 1° for variation Heading: 353°, distance: 0.96 km
You can find more navigation and map reading tips here including this basic guide to the compass. You can buy OS and Silva compasses on the OS Shop along with maps to help your practice. Find out which compass is best for youand your chosen activities. Want to find out more about getting out into the hills and mountains? Read our Hiking For Beginne...
By drawing a line in between each of the cardinal points, you can create an eight-point compass that shows the directions for north-east (NE), south-east (SE), south-west (SW) and north-west (NW).
Sep 10, 2021 · Step 1: Have the supplies you need—a compass, a pencil, and an updated map of the area you want to go backpacking. Step 2: Look around the landscape; find at least two easily identifiable landmarks and then locate them on your map.
- Rob Barry
Jun 16, 2021 · This guide on how to use a compass and map should be enough to get you started and give you the confidence to go it alone in the hills.
Nov 7, 2014 · Find out which direction you’re facing. Hold the compass flat in front of you with the direction of travel arrow pointing in the direction you’re walking. The compass needle will swivel in either direction unless you’re facing exactly north.
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How to use your compass. Place your compass on the palm of your hand pointed upwards in front of your chest. This is how you should carry the compass when you are travelling. If you are using a map with your compass, then place the map on a flat surface and place the compass on the map.
