How to Properly Use a Compass

A compass is used to determine a direction in relation to the Earth's magnetic poles. The compass's pointer arrow is magnetized and always points due north. Compasses have long been vital navigational tools in maritime, aviation and astronomical applications. They're also found in small electronic devices such as clocks and cell phones and are occasionally inserted into automobile consoles.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the compass in your palm as flat as you can at about chest level. Aim it so that the "travel arrow," which is usually marked on the base of the compass, is pointing in the direction you wish to travel.

    • 2

      Rotate the compass housing, the rotatable outer ring of the compass, until its arrow lines up with the red compass arrow that always points magnetic north.

    • 3

      Look into the distance in the direction of the travel arrow. Focus on an object, such as a tree, large rock or house, that's in approximately that direction.

    • 4

      Walk to that object and, if necessary, find another bearing or continue walking, following the travel arrow, until you wish to change direction.