The Instructions for a Silva Polaris Compass

Silva been making magnetic compasses for land and sea since 1933. The Polaris 177 model is a mid-range lightweight field model and is thought to be the most popular compass in general use in 2010. The base plate is made of transparent plastic, making for easy map reading, and is marked with inch, millimeter, and 1:24,000-scale markings. The compass housing (the circular bit you rotate) also features two degree gradation lines, with thicker lines and larger numerals every 20 degrees. Orientation lines in red and black, and a large sighting arrow, aid cross-referencing with the grid lines on the map.

Things You'll Need

  • Map
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find your location on the map. Use the long edge of the Polaris base plate (marked in millimeters) to trace a straight line between your current location on the map and your desired destination. Your current location should be toward the curved end of the compass.

    • 2

      Rotate the compass housing so that the red "N" aligns with north (or magnetic north if shown) on the map.

    • 3

      Hold the compass level, with the big sighting arrow on the base plate (the black direction of travel arrow) facing away from you.

    • 4

      Physically rotate your body until the red tip of the compass (the metal needle) points to the "N" arrow on the compass housing.

    • 5

      Looking ahead of you, down the black direction of travel arrow, you will now be facing in the right direction. Select a sight as a suitable landmark using the arrow if necessary as a temporary reference point.