Map & Compass Skills

How can you tell what direction you are facing? Watch the movement of the sun or stars. Use a compass Look for moss on the North side of trees

Compass Directions

A compass has four Cardinal Points. These points are known as North, East, South, and West.

There are four Primary Intermediate Points. These are Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest.

NORTH NORTH is the direction at the top of the compass rose.

SOUTH is the direction at the bottom of the compass rose.

EAST EAST is the direction to the right on the compass rose.

WEST WEST is the direction to the left on the compass rose.

What direction is pointing toward the ?

What direction is pointing toward the ?

What direction is pointing toward the ?

What direction is pointing toward the ?

Let’s Practice! When you face the sun as it rises, you are facing EAST. When you face the sun as it sets, you are facing WEST. Imagine standing at the center of a compass with your right hand pointing EAST. You are now facing North and South is behind you. If you are facing west, what direction is to your right? If you are facing south, what direction is to your left? If you are facing north, what direction is behind you? If you are facing south, what direction is to your right?