Most compass faces are smaller than the palm of your hand, and marking 360 degrees on a circle that small can make things tough to read. Beyond these basic components, there are a few key features that we recommend shopping for and learning to use effectively. A fixed index line will show the compass body’s orientation in comparison to the floating dial. More markings mean more accuracy, and we recommend finding a military-style compass that shows 360 degrees.ĭon’t bother getting carried away with minutes and seconds (60 minutes per degree, 60 seconds per minute). Any compass worth carrying will include degree markings for more precision. With that single piece of information, you can get a rough approximation of your bearing. In the most basic forms, a compass is made up of a floating dial marked with an arrow that is drawn to Earth’s magnetic north. Make sure you know how to use one by practicing regularly and testing yourself with increasingly difficult challenges. A compass can be a life-saving tool, but it’s also useless in the wrong hands. Once you understand how to read a map and interpret things like contour lines and terrain features, it’s time to put that knowledge to use by navigating from point to point without GPS or the aid of your phone. Plot start and endpoints as accurately as possible, and rely on the map’s grid lines and your protractor to identify the direction you need to travel. Know how to convert grid north to magnetic north. Before you give it a try, familiarize yourself with your map’s scale and key. Time You’re Going to Need: At least one hour per practice sessionĭifficulty: Beginner What you need to know about using a compassīeing able to use a compass is one of the most basic elements of navigation. Army Soldiers representing 32 states compete in the 200th Military Police Command Best Warrior Competition held at Camp Blanding, Fla., Feb. Doing it right with a lensatic compass U.S. Task & Purpose’s editors prepared the ultimate down-and-dirty guide on the right way to use a compass. Whether you plan on hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, or prepping for the zombie apocalypse, you’d better learn how to navigate with a good old-fashioned compass and map. Technology like handheld GPS and navigation apps are wonderful to have, but anyone seeking adventure in the great outdoors should have a working knowledge of old-school navigation methods that don’t require batteries or connectivity. Plotting a grid using the 1:50000 scale romer on the RA Protractor.We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Read of the inner scale and plot a bearing of 4500 mils back to the trig point.Ĭhoose two points on a map and practice this procedure. To plot a backbearing from the church, turn the protractor to the left with the centre point over the church. What is the Grid Bearing from the Trig Point to the Church? The outer scale is used when plotting bearings East and inner scale for bearings West. Where the line crosses the outer scale it indicates the Grid Bearing from your position (trig point) to your target (church with tower). Then draw a line or use a plumb line to draw a line from your location (trig point) to your target (church with tower). All vertical and horizontal lines should be aligned with those on the map, overlay the centre point over your location on the map (trig point). This is the issued protractor, the metres scale romers are on the left side, these are the romers that you should use.Įnsure the map is on a flat surface, align the base line with the vertical lines on the map, the 0 should be in line with Grid North.
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