Compass – The Complete Guide for Everyone

If you are heading outdoors for a hike, walk or camping trip, a compass should definitely be part of your essential gear. Learn how to use a compass, discover its advantages and disadvantages, and get familiar with the basic terms you will need when working with one.

How to use a compass and what is it?

A compass is a tool used to determine direction. Its basic function is orientation according to magnetic north. Inside, it contains a magnet, and its silver magnetic needle points towards magnetic north. Because the Earth has a magnetic field that roughly corresponds with the axis of the planet, a compass can be used to determine the north-south, east-west direction, or any intermediate cardinal direction.

Using a compass depends on the type of compass you have and what your goal is. Here are a few general steps to help you get started:

1. Set the compass to north. All directions on a compass are determined in relation to magnetic north, so it is important to align the compass with this direction. If you have a basic geographic compass, you should set its silver magnetic needle so that it points north.
2. Determine your destination. You need to know where you are going in order to use the compass to determine direction. This may be a point you want to reach in the forest, or the direction you need to follow to get from point A to point B.
3. Determine the direction. Hold the compass horizontally in front of you and move it so that the silver magnetic needle points north. Then rotate the entire compass until the needle points in the direction you want to go. The arrow pointing to magnetic north will help you determine your route.
4. Choose a fixed point in the distance that lies in the direction you want to go. This could be a tree, rock or another visible point several hundred metres away or more.
5. Walk in the direction indicated by the compass. Hold the compass in front of you and head towards the fixed point you selected. If you feel confused or arrive at a junction where you need to decide which way to continue, you can repeat the process to verify your direction.

How to use a compass with a map?

When you are outdoors, it is important not only to know how to use a compass, but also how to use it together with a map. In this detailed guide, you will learn how to do it. However, keep in mind that using a map and compass requires some practice and field experience. Poor lighting conditions, uneven terrain or natural obstacles that the map does not account for can all affect your navigation.

Place the map on a flat surface: Lay the map flat so that it is even and not folded or compressed. Position it so that mountain peaks, valleys and other terrain features are aligned with how they appear in reality.

Orient the map to north: Make sure the map is turned correctly. If north is not marked on the map, you can find it using a compass. Place the compass on the map and rotate the map until the north arrow on the compass points towards north on the map.

Prepare your direction of travel: Use the compass to determine the direction you need to walk. Place the compass on the map so that the edge of the compass passes through the point you are starting from, and its north arrow points towards north on the map. Then rotate the compass so that its direction markings point to the destination you want to reach. Check the direction on the compass and remember it.

Align the compass: Rotate the compass so that the north arrow on the compass points north. The direction number you remembered should now be positioned on the compass exactly where the arrow is located on its edge.

Face your direction of travel: Hold the compass level and turn towards the direction you remembered. Watch the direction on the compass and make sure you stay on the correct route.

Basic terms you need to know when using a compass

It is not enough to simply know where north is. You should also understand the terminology used when working with a compass. Whether you follow online guides, read books or talk to an experienced compass user, you should know exactly what is being discussed.

• Magnetic north: The direction in which the magnetic needle of a compass points when it is freely suspended and its axis is horizontal. In reality, magnetic north can differ from geographic north.
• Geographic north: The direction that points to the Earth’s North Pole.
• Declination: The difference between the direction of magnetic north and geographic north at a given location on Earth.
• Deviation: The difference between magnetic north and the compass direction caused by magnetic influences on board a ship or aircraft.
• Azimuth: The angle between north and the direction in which you want to travel.
• Compass bearing: The direction in which the magnetic needle is pointing and in which you are currently moving.
• Compass bezel: The rotating inner ring of the compass that contains scales and markings for different directions. This bezel can be rotated to indicate the direction you want to travel.

What is a compass made of?

A compass consists of several basic parts:

• Magnetic needle: A fine, long needle that is magnetised. It is mounted on a bearing and, when freely suspended, turns in the direction of the Earth’s magnetic field.
• Suspension screw: A screw that secures the magnetic needle to the bearing and allows it to rotate freely.
• Bearing: A component that holds the magnetic needle and allows it to rotate around its axis.
• Graduated scale: A scale on the edge of the compass that contains numbers and markings indicating different directions.
• Protective case: Many compasses have a protective case that protects the magnetic needle from damage and allows it to function properly.
• Adjustment elements: Adjustment features, such as a lock or spirit level, allow the user to position the compass correctly before use.
• Ruler: Some compasses include a ruler that can be used to measure distance or draw routes and paths.
• Compass rose: A circular scale with marked directions, usually 360 degrees, located inside the compass, on which the magnetic needle can rotate.

How to choose the right compass?

When choosing a compass, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of information available. Which type of compass is the right one? Which one will be most useful to you, how will you use it, and for what activity?

Consider what you will use the compass for. Are you a hiker, a hunter, or do you want to use the compass while sailing? If you plan to use it on a boat, a classic magnetic compass may not be suitable due to deviations and distortions caused by the structure of the vessel.

Also think about the situations in which you will use the compass. Will a small compass that fits easily into your pocket be enough, or will a larger compass be easier for you to read? Here you need to keep in mind that size matters with compasses too. Larger compasses usually have a larger magnet, which can indicate north more reliably – but be careful, this does not apply near metal structures. These can affect compass accuracy, and in such cases a smaller compass may actually be the better choice. Smaller compasses are also more sensitive, making them more suitable for setting direction, for example when moving through forest terrain.

When it comes to size, another important factor must be mentioned – price and quality. Compasses in higher price categories, from proven manufacturers and made of quality materials, are often more reliable regardless of size. You can buy a compass for as little as €5, but also for more than €500 – these are usually marine compasses, where 100% reliability is essential.

If you will use the compass mostly recreationally, in an environment you know well, a more affordable compass will be sufficient. The deviation of a cheap compass will usually only mean that you reach your destination a few metres off.

Do not forget to consider what you want the compass to do. Is a basic compass enough for you, or do you prefer something multifunctional? Many compasses offer more than just determining the cardinal direction: lighting, a ruler, a spirit level, water resistance, declination adjustment, a hanging option, an attractive case and many other features. Decide how you will use your compass and which functions you cannot imagine being without when navigating.

What types of compasses exist?

There are several types of compasses used for different purposes, but in general they can be divided into three main categories:

Geographic compasses – These compasses are used for orientation and navigation on land and in the air. Geographic compasses can be handheld, fixed or electronic.

Marine compasses – These compasses are used for navigation at sea. Marine compasses are often installed in higher positions on a vessel and must be resistant to shocks and vibrations. They are usually more expensive, with prices reaching hundreds of euros.

Orienteering compasses – These compasses are used for competitive and recreational orienteering. They are usually small, lightweight and accurate, with clear direction indicators and numbers. They are often referred to as baseplate compasses.

In addition to these basic types, there are also other specialised compasses, such as geological compasses used in geological and archaeological research, hunting compasses used for orientation during hunting, and others.

What is the difference between a compass and a baseplate compass?

The terms “compass” and “baseplate compass” are often used as synonyms, because both devices are used for orientation in space using magnetic properties. However, there are subtle differences between them. In simple terms, a baseplate compass is a compass that is usually equipped with a protractor, magnifying glass and ruler. It is used together with a map to determine the azimuth, which is why its body is made from transparent material, allowing you to read the map beneath it.

Gyroscopic compass / Gyrocompass

A gyroscopic compass, or gyrocompass, uses the properties of a gyroscope, a device that tries to maintain its axis of rotation in one plane. In a gyroscopic compass, the gyroscope is positioned horizontally so that its axis of rotation lies in a plane parallel to the Earth’s surface.

When the gyroscope is at rest, its axis of rotation is aligned with the axis of the Earth’s magnetic field. Once the compass moves, the gyroscope maintains its axis of rotation in a plane parallel to the original plane. This effect is called gyroscopic stabilisation.

By combining the gyroscopic effect with a magnetic sensor that detects the tilt of the gyroscope axis in relation to the Earth’s magnetic field, a gyroscopic compass can determine direction. When the direction changes, the gyroscope axis also changes, but thanks to the gyroscopic effect, its axis of rotation tries to remain in the same plane, allowing the new direction to be determined. Gyroscopic compasses are accurate and reliable, but they are prone to gimbal lock, which can occur if the gyroscope axis reaches a certain angle and loses its gyroscopic stabilisation.

What is the difference between a compass and GPS?

You may think that the easiest way to determine direction is to use a GPS device – it is more accurate, easier to understand, and you do not need any special skills to get from point A to point B. However, it is important to remember that you may not get a GPS signal everywhere, and GPS does not provide perfect coverage in every location. There are still places where GPS will not help you. In addition, GPS depends on modern technology. If your phone battery runs out, you are left without navigation. A compass will never run out of battery.

However, keep in mind that a compass only determines direction, not your exact location.

What if I do not have a compass with me?

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to determine direction and you do not have a compass or a smartphone, you do not need to give up. A correctly set analogue watch can also help. However, this method works only during a sunny day. If it is cloudy or night-time, unfortunately you cannot use this method.

1. Place the watch on a flat surface, such as the ground, a table or pavement.
2. Turn the watch so that the hour hand points towards the sun.
3. Imagine a line exactly halfway between the number 12 on the dial and the hour hand, running across the entire watch face. The line between 12 and the hour hand will point north, while the opposite side will point south.

Advantages and disadvantages of a compass

Advantages

• Simplicity: A compass is relatively simple and can be used almost anywhere and at any time.
• Independence: Unlike navigation devices that depend on batteries and electricity, a compass does not need electric power or any other energy source to function.
• Accuracy: You can rely on a compass most of the time. If you use it correctly and are not in an area affected by another source of magnetism, you should not have any problems.
• Versatility: A compass can be used in many places, such as forests, on water, in the mountains, in the desert and more.
• Low price: A compass is relatively inexpensive and can still be high quality. A reliable compass can be purchased for tens of euros.
• Backup source of information: If all other sources of direction information, such as GPS or a phone, are unavailable, a compass will not let you down.
• Improved orientation skills: Simply put, you will know where north is. With a little practice, situations where you end up lost should be reduced to a minimum, which is a great skill to have.

Disadvantages

• Dependence on magnetism: A compass works on the principle of magnetism, which means its correct function depends on the magnetic field around it. Some areas may have a disturbed magnetic field, which can affect compass accuracy.
• Influence of other magnetic sources: In addition to the Earth’s magnetic field, other magnetic sources, such as power lines or nearby metals, can affect the proper functioning of a compass.
• Need for correction: In different places on Earth, declination, meaning the difference between magnetic north and geographic north, can vary and may require correction.
• Difficult use in dark conditions: In darkness or poor lighting conditions, it may be difficult to read the scales and markings on the compass, unless you have another light source or the compass has built-in illumination.
• Not an accurate altimeter: A compass does not provide information about altitude, which is necessary for some types of navigation, such as aviation.
• Difficult use while moving: When using a compass on the move, it is necessary to keep it stable and in the same position. This can be difficult when moving across uneven terrain or on a boat, where there is constant rocking and tilting.

History of the compass

The exact origin of the compass is unknown, but we know that the first compass was invented in China around the 1st century BC. The device was made from magnetised iron on a pin, which moved in water and pointed north. This tool was originally used as a south-pointing indicator for feng shui, but later it was used for navigation and orientation.

In the 11th century, the compass was introduced to Europe through the Arabs and became a key tool for sailing and discovering new worlds. In the 13th century, the compass became a standard part of ship navigation equipment and enabled the development of maritime trade and the discovery of new geographical areas.

Over time, compass development moved towards greater accuracy and practicality. In the 18th and 19th centuries, various types of compasses were developed for different uses, such as measuring direction on land or at sea.

10 interesting facts about the compass

1. The compass was originally invented in ancient China in the 1st century BC and was used for navigation on seas and rivers.
2. The word “compass” comes from the Latin word “circum-passus”, meaning “circle-measurement”.
3. Compasses use the magnetic properties of ferromagnetic materials.
4. There are two main types of compasses: the magnetic compass, which uses the magnetic properties of the Earth’s magnetic field, and the gyroscopic compass, which uses the rotational motion force of the Earth’s surface.
5. Compasses are used not only for navigation, but also for determining direction and position in geology, archaeology and other sciences.
6. Compasses are also used in aviation and maritime navigation, where they are key tools for determining direction and position.
7. Compasses are also used in map creation, map orientation and field navigation.
8. In addition to magnetic and gyroscopic compasses, there are also digital compasses that use sensors and computer algorithms to determine direction.
9. Compasses can be affected by strong electromagnetic fields, such as power lines or powerful electronic devices.
10. In the past, compasses were also used in magical and spiritual practices and were considered symbols of spiritual orientation.