Getting to know your compass

Standard Compass

Basics Remember: RED IS NORTH!!! Remember: RED IS NORTH!!! The arrow on a compass will usually be either red & white or red & black. But red is always northThe arrow on a compass will usually be either red & white or red & black. But red is always north To use a compass without a map, you must know which direction you want to head To use a compass without a map, you must know which direction you want to head With a map you need to know how to take a bearing With a map you need to know how to take a bearing

Basics Cont… Remember it’s magnetic so keep it away from metal Remember it’s magnetic so keep it away from metal WristwatchesWristwatches Belt bucklesBelt buckles JewelleryJewellery Lay it as flat as possible to get an accurate reading Lay it as flat as possible to get an accurate reading

True North vs. Magnetic North True North- The actual geographic North Pole. This is the axis of the earth. True North- The actual geographic North Pole. This is the axis of the earth. Magnetic North- The Northernmost part of the Earth’s magnetic field. This will change. Magnetic North- The Northernmost part of the Earth’s magnetic field. This will change. A compass will tell you “Magnetic North.” However a map gives you “True North” A compass will tell you “Magnetic North.” However a map gives you “True North” The difference between True and Magnetic North is called declination The difference between True and Magnetic North is called declination

Declination Many maps tell you what the declination is for your area so you can adjust your compass accordingly Many maps tell you what the declination is for your area so you can adjust your compass accordingly If you are traveling a short distance or are using approximate coordinates you shouldn’t have to worry about declination If you are traveling a short distance or are using approximate coordinates you shouldn’t have to worry about declination However, the further you travel the greater off course you will go if you do not account for declination However, the further you travel the greater off course you will go if you do not account for declination

Now let’s try it!