How to Use a Baseplate Compass
Whether you are camping, hiking, or rafting in the wilderness, it's good to know how to use a compass. A baseplate compass is a simple device that is very small and light, allowing you to contain it in your pack, without adding much bulk or weight to your gear. A baseplate compass is called this because the plate on which the needle and directional markings rest is clear, so that it can be laid over a map.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Hold your compass level, at waist height, and orient your compass until the needle is pointing north with its orientation marking.
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2
Lay the compass on the map, or face the direction you plan to travel. Pick a landmark in the distance so you can get a bearing on its direction.
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3
Use the direction of travel marking to point to a landmark in the direction you intend to travel. Compare this mark to the true north reading on your compass.
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4
Use the markings around your compass to determine the number of degrees in the angle between your destination and true north. Head toward your destination, periodically stopping to make sure you are headed in the same direction, since you may encounter obstacles that you need to go around.
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5
Check your bearing by holding the compass at waist height, and turn your body until the compass needle faces north and is aligned with the compass marking for north. The arrow at the top of the baseplate compass should be pointing toward your destination.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Baseplate compasses often have a small magnifying glass built into them that can help you read tiny markings on a map.
Being around magnetic fields can distort the readings of a compass. Try to avoid being around iron, steel and car motors when you are plotting a course using a compass.
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References
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