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This article explains how to use a handheld baseplate (also called a protractor or orienteering compass) for land navigation. Another type of compass, called a lensatic compass works a little differently, and will not be covered in this article. Baseplate compasses are the most commonly used type for general outdoor recreation. Holding the Compass Properly: Hold the compass flat and level, but elevated high enough so that you can read the compass direction while glancing up to look at objects in the distance. Orient the compass so that the direction of travel indicator, at the top of the compass dial, is facing directly away from you. Having the lanyard around your neck will help you keep the compass oriented perfectly with the direction you are facing. Second, observe the magnetic needle.

The basic thing to remember about the needle is that red end of the needle ALWAYS POINTS NORTH. Once this fact is second nature to you, you'll need to understand that slightly weird notion that there is more than one NORTH.

The magnetic needle points toward Magnetic North. Maps are lined up with geographic (also called true) north.

If you are using your compass with a map, you will have to learn how to make a correction for this phenomenon (called magnetic declination) before reading your compass.

The correction is not difficult to make, but we will ignore it until you begin to use map and compass together. After observing the magnetic needle for a while, face in the direction you would like to determine or travel, whether it is toward a landscape feature like a hill or just a path you plan to hike. Carefully lining the direction of travel indicator up with the object or direction of travel is called 'sighting” the compass. Now set the compass. Holding the compass still, twist the dial until the hollow orientation arrow lines up beneath the needle. When the needle is “boxed” in this manner, the compass is set. Read the Compass:

The number on the compass dial that lines up with the direction of travel indicator at the top (front) of the compass dial is your bearing, or compass direction.

The bearing can be expressed in a few different ways, depending on the type of compass you have.

The azimuth method is moth common and easiest.

It is a single number between 0-360 degrees. East is at 90 degrees, south at 180, west at 270, and north at 360 (which is also 0). Practice these steps until you are comfortable sighting objects and determining the direction you are facing. Later, when you begin to use the compass with a map, be sure to learn how to adjust your bearing for magnetic declination.
Curious to learn more about compass use? Head to Compass-HowTo.com to learn all you need to know about this and all kinds of other compass how-to topics.

You'll find compass reviews and recommendations, and helpful information on learning how to use a compass .

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