How to Do Compass Bearings on a Map

A compass with a clear baseplate is also helpful because you can see more of the map easier.

While portable GPS devices have become more common and prevalent in recent years as the technology has improved and prices have dropped, the ability to use a compass remains an important one. Compasses never run out of batteries and are a dependable means of findings your way when other methods fail. Learning how to use a compass to find your bearings on a map is a good way to practice your orienteering skills.

Things You'll Need

• Compass with rotating dial and degree gradations

Instructions

1. Lay the map on a large, flat, smooth, and stable surface like a picnic table or a clear spot on the ground.

2. Turn the compass dial until the "N" is nearest to the front of the compass.

3. Position the compass on top of the map so that the front edge points in the same direction as north on the map. All edges of the compass should run parallel with latitude and longitude lines on the map.

4. Rotate the map and compass together until the moving red orienting arrow is inside the red outline of an arrow on the compass dial. If you are behind the map and compass, you are now facing north. If you know where you are on the map, you will know in what direction different landmarks are, even if you can't see them.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to adjust your compass for the difference between magnetic and true north. You can find the degree adjustment for your location on the Magnetic Declination website.

References

• Compass Dude: Orienting a Map