Basic Compass Use
Compass Anatomy
A good compass will have a rotating bezel with Orienting Lines and an Orienting Arrow.
A Compass is Magnetic
A compass works because the magnetized needle rotates easily and lines up with the magnetic field that surrounds the earth. It is easily effected by nearby magnetic fields.
When using a compass, make sure it is away from metal that may affect performance. This includes:
Nails and bolts on a picnic table
Metal spiral binding in a notebook
Cellphone
Firearm
Vehicles
The ground will sometimes affect where you compass points
Orienting a Compass and Map
Orient your Map as shown. This will help your brain understand where you are at and where you are going.
Arrange compass, Orienting Lines and Needle like the Declination Diagram.
Setting an Azimuth
Determine the Grid Azimuth you want.
Convert Grid Azimuth to a Magnetic Azimuth and dial that in to your compass. This is discussed on our Magnetic Declination Page. You might be able to skip this step if using a special map for an Orientation Course.
While holding compass in hand, rotate yourself so that the Needle fits in the Orienting Arrow - aka the "Doghouse". Put the Dog in the Doghouse.
As long as the Dog is in the Doghouse, your compass is pointing in your direction of travel.