It is just amazing how much information can be gained from a 2 ounce piece of plastic and a tiny bit of metal! Not only can you estimate direction from a magnetic compass, but you can also estimate time and location on the earth - pretty cool!

I have a great time explaining what I know about magnetic compasses in a way that is thorough, interesting, and a bit of fun. If you have feedback or questions, I'd love to hear from you. - OK, enjoy the trip...But remember when you finish mail me ok

This tutorial steps through the process of learning magnetic compass skills

learning map reading skills, then combining the two into a sort of wilderness navigation tool kit

You'll never get lost again after learning with what is written here, or at least you should be able to get found!

Each page of the tutorial links to the next so you can just go on learning right on through

What Is a Compass?

There are veriouse types of compas, hoever, we will use the basic compass to start you off so that we can explain the whole thing in basic terms Ok?

a)

Base plate, hard plastic flat surface on which the rest of the partsof the compass is Mounted

b)

He plastic base has rulers on its edges for measuring distances on maps

c)

The Compass edge are straight and useful for laying lines on a map

e)

The scales on each edge of a compass may have different rulers for different map scales

f)

Direction-of-Travel Arrow marked on the base plate (Usually Red) points you in the dirrection you are traveling

g)

Magnifier for seeing small map features clearer

h)

Index Pointer rear end of the direction-of-Travel Arrow. It ends right at the edge of the dial this is where you will take degree readings

i)

Dial ring around the housing that has degree markings engraved, the dial should rotate the entire housing

j)

Declination Marks use to orient the compass in an area with known declination

k)

Orienting Arrow marked on the floor of the rotating housing moves with the housing when the dial is turned. You use it to orient a compass to a map

l)

A series of Orienting parallel lines marked on the floor of the housing and on the plastic base plate

m)

The Needle a magnetized piece of metal with one end painted red to indicate ‘ North ‘

n)

Sits on a fine point that is nearly frictionless so it rotates freely when the compass is held fairly level and steady. Housing main part of the compass

o)

The needle floats in this round plastic revolving container filled with liquid There is also a Bubble of air in the housing liquid and is used to help you make sure that you are holding the compass fairly level