Embarking on an adventure in the outdoors, whether it's a hike, a camping trip, or a navigational exercise, a compass is an indispensable tool.Learning to use a compass is a vital skill that can help you find your way in unfamiliar terrain and complexities of nature. Here, we'll guide you through the steps to use a compass effectively, ensuring you're always on the right path.
Before diving into the steps, let's clarify that we're discussing a basic orienteering compass, which consists of a magnetic needle, a baseplate, direction of travel (D of T) arrow, and degree adjusting arrow. It's a simple yet powerful tool when understood and used correctly.
Understanding the Compass Components
The first step in using a compass is understanding its components. The magnetic needle points to magnetic north, while the baseplate is used to measure and mark your path. The direction of travel (D of T) arrow indicates the direction you're facing, and the degree adjusting arrow is used to set your degrees for precise navigation.
Familiarize yourself with the compass by holding it in your hand and observing the needlespin. Once it stops, the north end points to magnetic north. Ensure you're holding it level by keeping your eyes on the needle bubble.
Calibrating and Setting Your Compass
Before starting your journey, it's crucial to calibrate your compass. This ensures your compass is correctly aligned with the earth’s magnetic field. To do this, turn the adjustable housing until the red end of the dial matches the magnetic declination for your location. You can find this information online or through a local ranger or map specialist.
Next, set your compass for your desired course. Use the baseplate to align the edge with your starting point (marked on your map), place your desired destination along the same edge, and turn the entire compass housing until the north end of the needle’s magnet lines up with the north point on the baseplate.
Understanding Magnetic Declination
Magnetic declination is the angle between the Earth's geographic (true north) and magnetic north. This angle varies based on location and changes over time. Understanding this difference is crucial in ensuring your compass is set accurately. Always know the magnetic declination for your location to correctly set your compass.
Luckily, most good-quality compasses come with a dial to adjust for magnetic declination. Once you've found your local magnetic declination, rotate the dial until the red needle lines up with the number. Your compass is now set for your location.
Converting Between Grid and Magnetic
Many maps use grid north (often labeled as 'GN') instead of true north (TN) or magnetic north (MN). To use your compass with these maps, you'll need to convert between grid and magnetic north. The conversion process involves adding or subtracting the magnetic declination from the grid north reading.
First, find the difference between grid and magnetic north (your location's magnetic declination). Then, if you're traveling towards grid north, subtract the declination from your compass reading. If you're traveling away from it, add the declination. This way, you're always navigating towards your desired grid north destination.
Tracing Your Course
Once your compass is set, it's time to start navigating. Hold your compass flat in your hand, with the direction-of-travel (D of T) arrow pointing in the direction you're walking. The red end of the needle should align with the north end of the baseplate, ensuring your compass reflects your actual direction of travel.
In case you're navigating with a map, align the map's north with the north on your compass. Then, turn the map (keeping it flat) until the features on the map match the landscape around you. When the two match, follow the course indicated on the map, keeping your compass held flat and aligned with your direction of travel.
Taking and Following a Bearing
A bearing is the angle measured in degrees from a reference direction (usually north) to a point or object. To take a bearing, align the edge of the compass with the direction you're facing, then read the degree number where the needle's north end intersects the baseplate’s outer edge. This is your bearing.
To follow a bearing, set the degree adjusting arrow to your desired bearing (adjust the whole housing if needed), then align the north end of the needle with the north edge of the baseplate. Now, walk in the direction the D of T arrow points until you reach your destination.
Using a compass is an essential skill that carries immeasurable value outdoors. With practice and understanding of these steps, you'll soon be navigating with confidence and accuracy, making your adventures more enjoyable and safer. Happy navigating!