How to navigate the terrain with a compass - practical tips

There are several types of compasses. For orientation in unfamiliar terrain (determining the cardinal points), a simple compass is enough, in which the direction indicator is a magnetized arrow. It is precisely such devices that prudent hunters, fishermen, mushroom pickers, and tourists take with them when going out into nature (going on a hike). At school they teach how to use a magnetic compass, but does everyone remember geography lessons?

This article will help some to “refresh” their memory, and others to understand how to navigate unfamiliar terrain with a compass.

What you need to know about the compass

Its arrow (after removing the latch) always assumes a position in which one end of it “looks” to the North (marked on the dial as N or C), the other to the South (letters S or Yu), in accordance with the poles of the Earth. Since compasses are produced by different manufacturers, the designations of its sectors are different. How to understand that the body of the device is located correctly, and not turned upside down by 180º? Otherwise, the true cardinal directions cannot be determined, and the meaning of orientation is lost.

When determining the position on the ground, it is customary to count from the direction "North". Therefore, the end of the magnetic needle pointing to it is always indicated. This is either a blue mark (sometimes green), or a dot from a phosphorescent composition. The tip can also be made in the form of a triangle directed by an acute angle to the magnetic pole.

But in any case, the side where the “marked” end of the arrow looks is necessarily the North. Therefore, you only need to turn the body of the device, fitting the dial scale under it until it aligns with the applied designation N (or C). In older models of compasses, the "southern" tip of the arrow is also marked (in red).

How to navigate with a compass

It is rare for tourists, hunters or fishermen to take a map with them - they mostly get by with a GPS navigator . Those who go out into nature with her know the order of work well. For most, it’s just enough to find the way back with a compass. Basically, it is acquired in order not to get lost. What should be done?

Going along the chosen route, you should determine the direction of movement. The latch is removed from the arrow, the compass is given a horizontal position and its body rotates until the letter N of the dial is aligned with the "northern" tip. It remains only to wait until the arrow "calms down".

Having chosen a distant, clearly visible object along the route (tree, hill or otherwise), you need to remember in which direction it is. That is, determine the azimuth. Graduation is also marked on the scale of the device. 00 is North, respectively, 90 is East, 180 is South and 270 is West. It is not difficult to calculate exactly which azimuth the movement will be in.

If you have to change direction on the route, and this happens quite often, especially on rough terrain, then at each “turning” point you again need to determine a new azimuth by choosing some other object. You should not rely on memory; all data must be recorded. Plus, it is advisable to count the steps (with frequent course changes) or time the movement (with long movements in one direction).

In order to return to the starting point, it is enough to move in the opposite direction. That is, orient the compass dial to the cardinal points, and mentally draw a line through the center of the device from the primary (measured before the start of movement in the intended direction) azimuth value for a given point. If the movement on the ground was at an angle, for example, 300º, then you need to return in the direction of 120º. It is easy to understand, given that the difference between the azimuths ("forward" and "reverse") is always 180º.

Helpful Hints

In specialized stores selling accessories for fishermen, hunters, tourists or athletes, you can find various modifications of magnetic compasses. In order to navigate in an unfamiliar place, the simplest, cheapest device is enough. It is hardly worth spending money on a more “fancy” device, given that all its capabilities (functionality) will not be implemented in practice anyway.

Probably, in this regard, the only useful recommendation is to pay attention to the "liquid" models of the compass. A special mixture is pumped inside their flask, which “quenches” the fluctuations of the arrow. Such modifications of the device are more convenient because they allow you to navigate without stopping, directly in the process of movement. For a tourist making a pedestrian crossing, such a compass is preferable.

There are several ways to check the performance of the device. The simplest of them is to bring the compass closer to any metal product (stained glass frame, door handle, etc.) right in the store. The arrow should not just deviate, but orient itself smoothly, without jerking. This sometimes happens with cheap models due to improper mounting on the axis.

Those who use a compass to "bind" the map to the terrain should be aware of such a calculation parameter as magnetic declination. The device shows the pole is magnetic, and for all maps the geographic value matters. In most cases, this orientation error is not taken into account, but if you need maximum accuracy in determining the coordinates, you will have to take it into account. Relevant reference data are indicated on each sheet of the map.

To make sure that the direction to the North is chosen correctly, you need to make several "measurements" in different places along the way. The magnetic needle reacts to metals, and often the compass "lyes" mercilessly, disorienting the user. For example, if there is some object nearby that affects its position (for example, power lines, a grandiose landfill invisible behind the landing, a “thread” of a buried pipeline, and so on). The same applies to swampy areas.

In this case, the effect of the so-called "swamp ores" is manifested. The reasons for “failures” in the operation of the arrow can be very different, even “anecdotal”. For example, if you hold both the device and a metal object (knife or something else) in one hand when orienting. Experienced tourists never limit themselves to a single determination of the direction to the North, but constantly check with the compass along the way.

It is not worth hoping when orienting only on a compass. Firstly, with a lack of experience, it is quite difficult to accurately determine the azimuth. Secondly, cheap devices give significant measurement errors. To reduce the time of finding the starting point, it is useful to remember natural landmarks - roads, plantings, large lonely trees, and the like.

In addition to the compass, it is advisable to purchase a device such as a pedometer. It will help determine the distances from one control point to another. Then you don't have to measure time or calculate the number of steps. Consequently, the process of orientation on the ground will be greatly simplified.