Orienteering Guide 03
Choosing and Using a Compass
Compass Skills
A compass is a simple, dependable navigation tool because it does not need a battery or satellite signal. For most Scout navigation, a baseplate compass with a rotating bezel is easier to use with a map than a tiny accessory compass.
Common compass types
| Type | Best use | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Accessory compass | Backup direction reference on a keychain or small tool | Usually too small or imprecise for serious map-and-compass work |
| Baseplate compass | Learning, hiking, orienteering, and most Scout navigation | Choose a clear baseplate, readable degree markings, and a smooth needle |
| Mirror or sighting compass | More precise bearings and longer-distance sighting | More expensive and requires practice |
| Compass with adjustable declination | Frequent map navigation in areas with meaningful declination | Adjustment must be set correctly for the location |
Parts of a baseplate compass
- Magnetic needle: the magnetized needle that aligns with Earth’s magnetic field. The north-seeking end is usually red.
- Capsule: the clear housing that contains the needle, often filled with liquid to steady movement.
- Rotating bezel: the ring marked from 0 to 360 degrees used to set or read a bearing.
- Orienting arrow: the arrow inside the capsule used to align the magnetic needle when following a bearing.
- Orienting lines: parallel lines inside the capsule used to line the compass up with north-south grid or meridian lines on a map.
- Direction-of-travel arrow: the arrow on the baseplate showing the direction to move once the compass is aligned.
- Baseplate edge and ruler: useful for connecting points and measuring map distance.
- Magnifier or sighting mirror: optional features on some models.
How to hold and read it
- Hold the compass level and away from large metal objects, vehicles, speakers, phones with strong magnets, power lines, or other sources that may disturb the needle.
- Give the needle a moment to settle before reading it.
- Do not confuse the magnetic needle with the direction-of-travel arrow. They perform different jobs.
- Check the same bearing twice when accuracy matters.
Take a bearing to a landmark
- Hold the compass level and point the direction-of-travel arrow at the landmark.
- Without moving the baseplate, rotate the bezel until the orienting arrow lines up with the north end of the magnetic needle.
- Read the bearing at the index line where the direction-of-travel arrow meets the bezel.
Follow a bearing
- Set the desired bearing at the index line.
- Hold the compass level and rotate your whole body until the north end of the magnetic needle aligns with the orienting arrow.
- Look along the direction-of-travel arrow and choose a visible object on that line.
- Walk to the object, then repeat. This is usually more accurate than staring at the compass while walking.
