How to Take Bearings on a Compass

A compass helps you determine direction.

A bearing is a measurement of direction taken with a compass. The bearing tells you exactly which direction to go in order to get from point A to point B. A compass has a graduated circle of degrees which help you determine the bearing. Taking a bearing with a compass requires a map that shows both points and allows you to draw a line between the two points.

Things You'll Need

• Map
• Pencil
• Straight edge

Instructions

1. Find the point on a map where you are. Locate the point to which you want to go on the map. Mark both spots with a pencil. Use a straight edge to draw a line from the first point to the second.

2. Place the compass on the map so the middle of the compass is on the line between the two points. Line the compass up parallel to the north-south orientation of the map.

3. Turn the map with the compass on it. Continue turning until the north arrow points to 0 degrees on the compass. The degrees are on the graduated circle of the compass.

4. Read where the line between the two points crosses the graduated circle of the compass. That degree is the bearing.

References

• ISU: Get a Bearing