Use Compass Articles & Videos

• Airguide Compass Directions

  When you install a compass into a boat, various metal parts---sometimes even the screws used to mount the compass---might cause it to deviate from the real magnetic readings. In an extreme example, your compass could read 90 or more degrees… read more

• How Do Compasses Relate to Magnets?

  A compass has a magnet inside in it. The compass uses the magnet to measure the direction of the earth's magnetic field, which allows the compass to indicate which way is north. read more

• How to Navigate on Land With a Compass

  Learning to navigate on land with a compass is knowledge any wilderness hiker or backpacker needs for survival. Although a GPS might be easier to navigate with, a compass will never run out of battery power or lose its signal due to clouds… read more

• How to Use Landmarks & Not Compass Directions

  Casual directions are given every day, and the use of landmarks, geographical features or places utilized by travelers to find their destination are often included in these written and verbal instructions. Directions using landmarks are ben… read more

• How to Use a Suunto MCA Compass

  A compass and map are good to have when hiking through the wilderness to avoid getting lost, but you need to know how to use them. The Suunto MCA Compass has a sighting mirror that locks open at various angles: 60, 120 and 180 degrees. The… read more

• How Does a Magnetic Compass Work?

  A magnetic compass uses the earth's magnetic field to align its needle to face north. The needle is magnetized and points to magnetic north, which is different than true (geographic) north. read more

• How to Read a City Map

  While there is nothing more fun than meandering around the streets of a great city, it is frustrating and sometimes frightening to become lost there. Even if you have a Global Positioning System--or GPS--in your car or on your cell phone, y… read more

• How to Use a Lensatic Compass

  The lensatic compass--also called a military compass--is a precision instrument that when used with a topographical map can guide the adventurous off marked trails into wilderness areas with confidence. The lensatic compass is used to set c… read more

• Directions on How to Use a Lensatic Compass

  Proper use of a compass is a basic but essential skill in backcountry hiking, which often involves getting off marked trails. The lensatic compass, the kind of compass frequently used by military outfits around the world, works much as an o… read more

• How to Orient a Map Using a Compass

  Understanding how to use a map and compass together is an important way to avoid getting lost while exploring nature. A map alone may not be enough to help you find your way if you don't know your exact location. By orienting the map to a c… read more

• How To Read the Clinometer on a Silva Compass

  Being aware of altitude change when navigating with a map, especially in untrailed back country, can be critical to knowing your position and destination. The Silva Ranger 515 CL, CLQ and Explorer Pro compasses have a small arrow dangling… read more

• How to Make a Sundial for Children's Crafts

  A sundial uses the shadow of an object to determine the time of day. As the Earth rotates on its axis, the angle of the shadow will change. Measuring these changes allows the determination of solar time. Solar time deviates from local time… read more

• Map & Compass Instructions

  While many outdoor enthusiasts travel along established paths, an opportunity, need or desire may come to leave the comfort of the trail and head into back country. All that is needed to accomplish this is a map, a compass and the skills to… read more

• How to Use a Compass and Map

  Maps are key equipment in any expedition. Providing spatial representation of an area from a bird's-eye view, a map often makes the difference between being lost and getting home. Knowing how to read a map and take a bearing are vital skill… read more

• How to Use a Silva Landmark Compass

  There is no more essential item for a wilderness expedition than a compass. Compasses help orient the traveler. Without one it is easy to walk in circles, change direction without knowing it and, ultimately, get lost. Knowing how to use… read more

• What Is the Compass Used for?

  According to the Friends of Yosemite Search and Rescue, a non-profit that supports the efforts of Yosemite National Park's search and rescue team, more than 60% of the rescues made every year are to help hikers. Many of these hikers left f… read more

• How to Use a Brunton Compass

  The Brunton compass differs from most other compass designs only in how it prevents needle oscillation. The design uses magnetic induction damping instead of putting the needle in a capsule of fluid. Otherwise it is similar enough to a conv… read more

• How to Use a Silva Compass

  While using a satellite navigation system to find your way around the city or while hiking may be convenient, having a compass and map can provide a reliable and inexpensive alternative in case of technical difficulties with electronics. Us… read more

• How to Buy a Compass

  Compasses vary considerably in size, quality and features. Selecting the correct model depends on how you will use it and the conditions under which it will be used. These are important factors considering the importance of accurately navig… read more

• Compass Terminology

  Knowing the territory is crucial to navigation. When using a compass, knowing your terminology is just as important. Once you define your terms, the concepts fall into place, and you are ready to take off into the world of terrestrial navig… read more

• How to Navigate without a Compass

  In the vast wilderness, it does not take but a second to become disoriented in your location. Once this has occurred, finding your way home becomes seemingly impossible. While getting lost in the wild is never a fun experience, the adventur… read more

• What Are the Parts of a Compass?

  A compass is an essential and invaluable piece of outdoor equipment. Taking time to understand and learn the basics of using a compass only takes a brief amount of time. This basic knowledge could very easily save your life if you become lo… read more

• Facts About Compasses

  A compass is an invaluable tool to the outdoor enthusiast. Whether you are running, hiking, backpacking or mountain biking, a compass should be part of the basic gear carried by any one venturing out to the great outdoors. The compass comes… read more