Using a Compass is the next step in getting proficient at map reading. Compasses are an invaluable tool that we use to navigate every day and learning to use one effectively can make navigating in challenging conditions or places much easier by always having a reference point, the north. That being said, compasses also come with a risk of human error so take care in understanding the following sections, as always if you have any questions, ask at the bottom.
About the Compass
What is a Compass? A magnetic compass is a navigational tool that we use to align ourselves with the north and south poles. It allows us to take bearings and accurately determine the direction we need to go. Below is a pretty decent compass showing the main features of a compass. Although compasses can look very different from each other, all good compasses should have most of these features.
Throughout this section you will learn:
