How to Determine 253 Degrees on a Compass

Navigators have used compasses for thousands of years. The Chinese used lodestone to produce a south-pointing compass more than 2,000 years ago. Modern compasses point north rather than south, and include an outer 360 degree scale. Individual degree marks around the compass enable the user to read bearings with one degree accuracy.



Determining 253 degrees on a compass is a straightforward task that can be accomplished by almost anyone. No previous experience is required but good eye sight and a steady hand is advantageous.

Things You'll Need

  • Compass
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn the compass housing, which is the raised circular part, until the 253 degree mark is aligned with the direction-of-travel arrow, a thin arrow-headed line pointing to the front of the base plate.

    • 2

      Lay the compass flat in the palm of your hand. In this position the needle is free to rotate within its housing. Allow it to settle. The red or phosphorescent end of the needle points north.

    • 3

      Rotate the compass on your palm until the shaded red arrow - marked on the base of the plastic dial - is directly under the north-pointing end of the compass needle. The compass is now orientated with the direction-of-travel arrow pointing to a 253 degree bearing.