Technology is a wonderful thing, It can make every part of our day better. Unfortunately, sometimes our technology can fail us. In those times the difference between things going really well, and things going really wrong may be your skill set.
Every adventurer, every hiker, and everyone that considers themself an Overlander should have a few of the basics down just in case. How to build a fire, a sense of where the water is, and the ability to read a compass may actually be the all the difference you need to stay alive. Today we are talking about the compass though. Although using a compass isn’t difficult, it can be tricky if you don’t understand the basics.
First…we have to understand what it is. A compass is one of the oldest navigation tools we have. Every compass, regardless of it’s design works off of a magnetic needle that aligns itself with the magnetic field of the earth. TAlthough not all are like this, a compass with a baseplate will help when using it with a map.
Take a peek at the example above. Learn it, commit it to memory. It also would be a good idea to print a version of this out, laminate it for waterproofing, and throw it in your pack or rig to take everywhere you go.
One of the most common mistakes when dealing with navigation and a compass is not knowing the deference between magnetic, and true north. I know you’re probably thinking…north is north, right? Not exactly and here is the difference. True North is the direction of the North Pole from any given direction. North will always be on the top of a map to keep everything universal.
Magnetic North is the direction which the magnetic needle of your compass points to in accordance with the earth’s magnetic field. Magnetic North will also vary depending on location. Remember, if you keep track of the magnetic shift you will easily stay on track.
I once read that in navigation being off course 1 degree spread out over 1 mile will take you about 100 feet off course. Now imagine what 300 miles would do? So, it is important to account for declination. (the amount that true north and magnetic north differ at any given point of your destination).
USING A COMPASS
1. Be sure to know where you are. It’s best to keep track from the start so you don’t lose track.
2. Go the right direction. Hold the compass properly, align the magnetic needle and orientation needle by standing in place and turning until they match, then follow that direction.
3. Use land marks. For example, find one to the left, then to the right. That will help you stay on course. Use the compass as needed from there.
*REMEMBER, USING A MAP WITH YOUR COMPASS IS ALWAYS THE BEST WAY*
Using a compass on a map isn’t difficult, but you do need to know how to read a map. I recommend learning the basics of a compass, then learn to read a map after, it will probably make more sense that way.
Rob Spencer