How to Take a Compass Bearing

A compass is a necessary tool for any outdoors excursion. Taking a bearing with a compass--or finding your angle in relation to another object and the magnetic poles--is the most basic navigation technique you should learn and is used extensively in orienteering. Before you head on your next trip to the mountains, learn to use your compass.

Things You'll Need

• Map or lensatic compass

Instructions

1. Choose a landmark some distance away and turn to face it. For navigation, it is best if this object is visible on a map, like a hill or lake.

2. Hold your compass at waist level and allow the north needle to position itself. If you're using a map style compass with a rotating face, turn it so that the north marker lines up with the needle and the arrow on the baseplate is pointing toward the landmark.

3. Find the degree marker that lines up with your compass baseplate arrow. With a lensatic or engineering style compass, pull the arm up and sight the landmark through the arm slot and the slot in the cover.

4. Look through the arm slot to find the degree mark. Many models have a rotating line that you can line up with the slots to pinpoint the degree. The marking that lines up with your landmark is your compass bearing.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice taking bearings with maps or aerial photographs of your home or town. Check your bearing by finding the landmark and your position on a map and finding the angle between the two.