Knowing how to use a compass is important if you find yourself without a GPS or in an area where your cell phone doesn’t work.
There are three methods to use when navigating.
Use GPS, Google Maps, or other electronic method.
Use a compass and a map.
Use an aerial photo and find landmarks to let you know where you are at.
A good quality compass. A military compass like this on cost between $75 to $100.
This is what you need:
A protractor that has 360 degrees makes it easier.
A map.
A pencil.
How to use the compass.
A and B are much like a gun sight. You look through B, which is a slot cut into the metal, and line it up with A, which is a metal string.
If you are trying to identify an object and it’s barring, point at the object and then read the compass.
If you are attempting to navigate, first move the compass until it shows the direction you should go. Then, look through the site and line up a tree or something so you can walk in that direction. It is better to find something far away so you do not have to pull your compass out every 2 minutes.
Step 1 - Point it at an object.
Step 2 - Look through the little magnifying glass at the compass dial and read the numbers.
When reading a compass, first make sure it is level. You do not want the dial inside the compass to get hung up and stop turning.
When using a compass, be as accurate as you can. If you are off by one degree, and then walk 10 miles, you could miss your target by so much that you might walk right past it.
When navigating, identify a landmark as far away as possible; focus on that landmark, and walk all the way there before pulling your compass out again. If you can identify a tree or boulder a mile or more away, then wait until you get there before pulling the compass back out.
This is a topographic map. The numbers show altitude. When a number is on a line, that means that everywhere that line goes, that is the altitude.
How to Read a Map
North is always up.
If you know where you are at on the map, then place the protractor on the map. The protractor has a little hole in the center which should rest over your location.
