How To Use A Map And Compass

Using both the map and compass together is the big step in navigation and is most rewarding, since this will eventually enable you to go to places you have never seen before. It is this last goal which most people find worth the effort so read on.

The map contains a scale 'picture' of our surroundings. The compass informs us which way is North. By putting the two together we can align the map to the real world and so make sense of what a map is telling us.

Aligning The Map
Although not strictly necessary, once you know what you are doing, it enables the inexperienced person some advantages. These are that is is easier to ensure that you are going to head off in the correct direction when you have finally set your compass.

1. To set the map, lay it on a flat surface. It does not need to be taken from it's protective cover if you are using one.
2. Place the compass on the map, and align the orienteering arrow in the housing of the compass with the vertical grid lines
3. Holding the compass firmly on the map, turn both until the RED end of the needle is on top of the orienting arrow.

It does not matter at this stage where the base plate is pointing.
The map is now aligned with the real world. Keep it that way for the next part.

Bearing A Setting

1. Place the compass on the map in the direction you wish to go (look at the arrow on the base plate), so that the edge of the compass passes both the starting point and the destination point. Turn the compass housing until it lines up with the grid lines (Eastings).
2. Read off the compass bearing. (the number on the top dial which is next to the direction arrow)
3. Add the magnetic offset.

You have now set the compass to the bearing you needed.

Remember, spending a couple of minutes checking that you have set everything correctly, will save a lot of time when compared to getting lost or taking the wrong route.

To check the work done so far, pick up the compass and turn the whole compass until the RED end of the needle is over the top of the orientening arrow in the housing. Now look and see where it points.

Look at the map and see what is near the start position. Tracks, streams, bridges, hills etc. Since we have oriented the map, the position of these items should be visible in the same direction as indicated on the map.

Now ask your self some questions.

1. Should you be walking along a path, road, stream?
2. Should you be walking up or down the hills, or on the flat?
3. Can you see any streams or bridges near by?
4. Are there any other things which you can check, to make sure that you are going to follow the compass in the right direction?

Common mistakes include: using the wrong end of the needle (Red points North), turning the housing so that the orienting arrow points down the map rather than to the top of the map and using the base of the compass to point from your destination to the start (rather than the other way around which is correct).

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