Compass Basics Explained: Bearings, Headings & Navigation for Beginners, by WaypointADV-USA on YouTube. 8 min 33 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 33 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Hold the compass flat in your palm at waist height, away from your body. Keep it level so the magnetic needle swings freely. Step away from cars, fences, phones and steel objects that pull the needle.
Find the direction of travel arrow on the baseplate. Point it straight at the landmark or map point you want to reach. Keep your body still while you line it up.
Turn the rotating bezel until the orienting arrow sits under the red end of the magnetic needle. The needle and the orienting arrow should point the same way.
Read the number on the bezel at the direction of travel arrow. That number is your magnetic bearing in degrees. Write it down so you do not forget it.
Adjust for magnetic declination if your map uses true north. Add or subtract the local declination shown on the map margin. Check the current value with a declination calculator for your area.
To follow the heading, hold the compass level and turn your whole body until the red needle sits inside the orienting arrow. The direction of travel arrow now points your way.
Pick a clear object ahead on that line, like a tree or rock. Walk to it, then take a fresh bearing and repeat. Do not stare at the compass while walking.
Count your paces between checkpoints to estimate distance. Compare the count with the map scale to see how far you have gone.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep metal objects, magnets and electronics at least an arm's length away or the needle will drift.
Set declination once on an adjustable compass and check it again when you travel to a new region.
In poor visibility, send a partner ahead along the bearing and leapfrog to keep a straight line.
Practice in a familiar park before relying on the compass on a real trip.
Questions
What is the difference between a bearing and a heading?
A bearing is the angle in degrees from north to your target. A heading is the direction you are actually travelling, which can drift from the bearing as you walk.
Do I need to worry about declination?
Yes if you transfer bearings between a map and the ground. The gap between magnetic north and true north varies by location, so check the value for your area.
Which compass should a beginner buy?
A baseplate compass with a rotating bezel and a declination adjustment covers most hiking and map work. Avoid keyring models with no bezel.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
