Basic Illustrated Map and Compass by Cliff Jacobson

Author:Cliff Jacobson
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781461745686
Publisher: Falcon Guides

How to Take an Accurate Bearing with a Fixed-Dial Compass

Although experienced wilderness travelers rely entirely on orienteering-style compasses, they frequently carry a small gumball machine compass as an emergency backup. Even a simple zipper-pull compass can provide accurate directions if you know how to use it. Here’s the recommended procedure:

FIGURE 3-10

A fixed-dial compass can be used to take a reasonably accurate bearing if you use this procedure.

1. Squarely face the objective whose bearing you wish to determine, then frame the compass between your thumbs and forefingers, as illustrated in figure 3-10. Your index fingers form a triangle, the apex of which points to the objective.

2. Rotate the compass between your fingers until the north end of the magnetic needle points to north on the dial.

3. Hold everything rock steady and read your bearing at the point where your forefingers touch. You should be within 5 degrees of a transit.

Now that you’ve mastered the workings of map and compass, you’re ready to use them together as a complete navigational system. The next chapter shows you how.

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