Synopsis: No matter where on Earth you are if you hold a compass in your hand it will always point toward the North Pole.
Inside the Earth is a large mass of iron, which produces a magnetic field. A compass has a needle made out of a magnetic substance. Magnets attract each other and so the needle of the compass attracts its self to the magnetic field produced by the earth. The needle of a compass will always point to the earth’s magnetic north pole.
The first thing you need to learn, are the directions, North, South, East and West with North being the most important.
A compass has many parts (Lines, Direction of Travel Arrow, Compass Needle Orienting Arrow, Index Mark, and Direction Ring) but three basic parts:
• The compass base (base plate) is the bottom of the compass and the part you hold in your hand. It has the direction-of-travel arrow, which points out the direction of travel and millimeter and inch scales for figuring out distances on a map
• The compass housing (vial) is the center part of the compass that is sealed and it contains the magnetic needle, which is in a liquid so it will move freely.
• The Lid helps to protect the compass and has markings for direction, magnifiers, etc. depending upon the quality of compass you purchase.
The best way to understand a compass is to use one. First, you must familiarize yourself with your compass. Most come with detailed instructions on proper use and many come with maps. Compasses also vary greatly in price.
The compass has many features some of which are more important. If you are serious about learning the compass the most important features to look for are a rotating bezel, rectangular base plate, and a detailed alignment arrow.
The main thing to remember in using a compass is the compass north is magnetic north not true north. Maps use true north and compasses use magnetic north. The difference between these two is declination, which means a deviation, as from a specific direction or the angle of “distance of any object from the celestial equator, either northward or southward.”
In order to find what direction you are facing begin by standing with your feet at shoulders width. Hold the compass at chest level between your thumb and forefinger. The compass needle will find magnetic north. Once this happens, rotate the bezel ring until the alignment arrow is below the north-searching needle. Now find your point of reference on the compass base and look at the line beneath the bezel ring it will give you your magnetic degrees and direction you are facing.
If your compass came with a map, you can pinpoint direction on that map by converting the magnetic degrees to actual direction. Most maps show the magnetic declination lines. Therefore, you will lay the straight edge of the compass on the true north line, then line up your map and compass to magnetic north. Once you have done this, use the direction you are facing and rotate the bezel ring to the degrees needed. Next, turn both the compass and map at the same time so the needle lines up on the alignment arrow. Once this is done you will know which way is north on your map and which direction you need to go!
If you do not have a map but know which direction you need to go you can use the compass to find North and then line up your compass per instructions and head the direction you need to travel.
These instructions are very basic and you will find instructions that are more detailed with your compass when you purchase it. Read them carefully and then just begin using it to become familiar with its workings. Make sure you learn to use the compass in a familiar area so as to not get lost!
