How to Use a Compass Rose

No matter how lost you get in the wilderness, you can still orient yourself using a map and a compass. The key to using the two together is by navigating according to the compass rose on the map. The compass rose displays the cardinal directions on a map, allowing you to know which direction you need to go in. A compass rose also enables you to navigate streets using cardinal directions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Compass

1. Take your compass and turn it so that the needle aligns with the north orienting lines.

2. Turn your map so that the arrow designated as north on your compass rose points the same way as the needle.

3. Determine where you are or where you need to direct yourself, based on where you believe yourself to be on the map. Always keep the map properly oriented according to your compass when navigating from it.

Tips & Warnings

• Some circumstances, such as navigating out on the ocean, require more complex compass roses that mark true north on the map in comparison to magnetic north, which changes annually with the Earth's magnetic field. Only situations requiring precise navigation across hundreds of miles require these advanced compass roses.
• If you are lost in the wilderness, do not try to navigate out on your own unless you are positive of your location. This makes it more difficult for search-and-rescue teams to find you.

References

• EduPlace.com