We all know what a compass is -- but if you really had to use one, would you know how? Lost hikers are often found with a compass that they didn't know how to use or how to use properly. A basic compass costs about $10, but quality is important, so plan to spend closer to $30 for a serious compass. Look for features like a rectangular base plate and a rotating bezel. Also look for a detailed alignment arrow. The more detail you see here, the more accurately you'll be able to navigate in the field. A good compass should come with detailed directions for how to use it in conjunction with a trail map or topographic map, but following are some basic guidelines. On a map, north is actually based on true north -- the direction of the North Pole. On a compass, north is indicated by magnetic north, where all magnetic lines of force meet. The difference between true north and magnetic north is called declination. In order to find your true bearing, you need to adjust for the declination. Here are the steps you should follow in order to use a compass to determine the exact direction in which you're facing. - Start by placing your feet shoulder-width apart. Bring the compass up to your chest and rest it between your thumb and forefinger so that it's level (figure A). The needle will find magnetic north.
- Next, rotate the bezel ring until the alignment arrow is directly below the north-seeking needle. Find the reference line on the compass base. Look beneath that line on the bezel ring. That is your bearing -- the direction you're facing and the degrees magnetic.
- You now have to convert degrees magnetic to a true direction in order to locate your direction precisely on the map.
- On your map you'll see a diagram that shows you the magnetic declination (figure B). For example, in our demonstration the map showed 13 degrees easterly.
- Lay the straight edge of the compass along the true north line of the map and orient the compass and map together toward magnetic north (figure C).
- To compensate for the amount of degrees of easterly declination, rotate the bezel ring that many degrees to the west. Now, turn both compass and map together so the needle settles on the alignment arrow. Now you are oriented. You know which way is north in relation to this map, and you can determine which way you need to go.
RESOURCES :
Be Expert With Map and Compass
Model: 0020292651
Author: Bjorn Kjellstrom
Hungry Minds, Inc.
Basic Essentials Map and Compass
Model: 0762704810
Author: Cliff Jacobson
The Globe Pequot Press
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
Phone: 203-395-0440
Fax: 203-820-2329
American Hiking Society
American Hiking is a national organization dedicated to serving hikers and protecting the nation's hiking trails. From the halls of Congress to the backcountry, AHS speaks up for America's hikers and the trails they love.
Using GPS: GPS Simplified for Outdoor Adventures (A Falcon Guide)
Model: 1560448210
Author: Bruce Grubbs
Falcon Publishing Company
Website: www.falcon.com/
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