Things You'll Need:
- Compass
- Topographic/Trail Map
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Step 1
Buy or borrow a quality compass. There are two types, Azimuth and Quadrant. Azimuth shows the bearings from 0-360 degrees. Example 270 Degrees. Quadrant shows bearings from 0-90 degrees in each quadrant. Example North 35 Degrees West. Most professionals like foresters use the quadrant type.
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Step 2
Practice setting a bearings. Its easy on a quadrant compass! Say you need to go South 45 Degrees West, just turn the dial until that bearing lines up with the marked point. Then turn yourself or the compass until the moving magnetic needle lines up exactly over the painted needle on the bottom. When that occurs and you look through the compass sights you are looking at South 35 Degrees West. On a Azimuth compass that same bearing will be 225 Degrees.
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Step 3
Now to use it with a map. Most maps have a north arrow. If you know where you are on the map, but need to find another place on the map, it can be easily done. Just align your map and compass to North. Place the center of your compass over the exact spot you are, look at the spot you need to go and draw a straight line to the compass center. See where it crosses the bearing marker. Set that bearing on the compass and then do Step 2 to point your way!
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Step 4
One last item to know, declination. This is the difference in magnetic North and the true North that may be used on your map. Declination can be quite great and will be + or - East or West. You can find out what the current one(it changes over time) is on a recent local topographic map. Most new quality compasses allow you to turn a screw and set it so the compass is adjusted for the local declination.
