{"id":189,"date":"2009-02-09T10:05:46","date_gmt":"2009-02-09T17:05:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/offgridsurvival.com\/?p=189"},"modified":"2023-04-04T19:59:51","modified_gmt":"2023-04-05T02:59:51","slug":"outdoor-tips-gps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offgridsurvival.com\/outdoor-tips-gps\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparedness 101: How to use a Compass & Map"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Using<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Learning how to use a compass and map is an essential skill for anyone who loves the outdoors, enjoys hiking or backpacking, or wants to be prepared for emergencies in the wilderness or during a bugout situation when the grid goes down. While modern technology has given us GPS systems and other digital mapping tools<\/a>, knowing how to navigate with a compass and map is a fundamental skill that can be a lifesaver when technology fails or when the grid goes down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The step-by-step basics of how to use a compass and map.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Compass\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Get Familiar with Your Compass<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you start using your compass, getting familiar with its different parts and functions is essential. Your compass will have a magnetic needle, a rotating bezel, and a baseplate with a straight edge. Take the time to understand how the needle works, how to adjust for declination, and how to use the rotating bezel to take bearings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orient Your Map<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you have your compass ready, it’s time to orient your map. Lay your map flat on a surface, and place your compass on top of it, with the edge of the baseplate lined up with the direction of travel you want to take. Make sure the compass is parallel to the map’s north-south grid lines. Next, rotate the map and compass together until the magnetic needle is aligned with the map’s magnetic north. The map is now oriented, and you can use it to navigate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a Bearing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hold your compass level in front of you to take a bearing, with the baseplate pointed in the direction you want to travel. Rotate the bezel until the index line lines up with the north end of the magnetic needle. Your bearing is the number on the bezel that lines up with the index line. Keep the compass level and turn your whole body until the north end of the needle is aligned with the index line on the bezel. You are now facing in the direction of your desired destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow Your Bearing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With your compass and map properly oriented, and your bearing determined, you’re ready to start navigating. Follow the bearing you have taken by keeping the compass level and walking in the direction of the north end of the needle. Use terrain features like hills, valleys, and rivers to help you stay on course. Periodically check your compass to ensure you follow the correct bearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjust for Declination<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Declination is the difference between true north and magnetic north. In some areas, this difference can be significant and throw off your navigation if not considered. Many compasses have a declination adjustment feature that allows you to compensate for this difference. Check the map legend for the declination in your area, adjust your compass accordingly, and orient your map again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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