How to Do a Compass Bearing

Compasses have been a critical navigational tool for centuries.

The compass that you replaced with a GPS unit years ago could prevent you from getting lost when dead batteries or a cloudy sky interrupt satellite signals. Before your next back country trip, learn how to use a compass or re-acquaint yourself with compass skills learned long ago. These skills can keep you safe and remind you that long-established techniques are still relevant in an era of advanced technology.

Instructions

1. 

   Mountain peaks that can be identified from any viewpoint can be used as landmarks.

   Identify a permanent landmark that you can easily see in the distance in the direction that you want to travel. Bridges, buildings, mountain peaks, and river forks are examples of good landmarks.

2. Face the landmark.

3. Place the compass in your hand and point the direction-of-travel arrow at the landmark. The direction-of-travel arrow is a long arrow printed on the compass face. It begins at the compass dial and extends along the center of the compass face to the opposite side. It is typically a simple narrow, long, black arrow.

4. Turn the compass dial with your free hand until the magnetic needle is in the middle of the dial’s large orienteering arrow. The magnetic needle is an arrow in the center of the compass lens. The end pointed like an arrow is typically red and the other end is typically white. Because the needle is constantly trying to point north it will wiggle noticeably when the compass is moved in any direction. The orienteering arrow is usually marked by two parallel lines on the base of the compass, below the dial. As you rotate the dial, note that numbers representing bearing numbers on the dial also move.

5. When the magnetic needle is in the center of the direction of travel arrow, read the compass bearing number that the direction of travel arrow is pointing to.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove watches, rings, bracelets and anything metal from your hands and forearms. Compasses are magnetic and can be attracted to metal objects.

• Choose landmarks that are easily identifiable from any viewpoint.

References

• Learn orienteering.org: How to use a compass

Resources

• "Wilderness Navigation: Finding Your Way Using Map, Compass, Altimeter, and GPS", Bob Burns, Mike Burns; 2004