How to Read a Compass
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How to Guide: Reading a compass
| In order to navigate through unknown terrain and read a map properly it is important to know how to read a compass. A compass is a navigational tool used for finding directions. The North Pole is magnetic and is important to the function of the compass. The compass needle swings so that one end is always pointing to the North Pole; this is due to its magnetism. The end of the needle that points to the north is marked so that it can be easily identified. The compass like any other circle is divided in to 360 degrees. |  |
| The intercardinal points of the compass are used to describe directions in between the cardinal points. Say for instance you drew a circle on the ground and marked the four cardinal points: North, South, East, and West. If you were given directions to walk toward a point that was on the line pointed north you would know where to go, but what if you were told to walk toward a point in between North and East? This is where the intercardinal points come in to play, if this was the case you would walk northeast. |  |
| This concept is taken even further for the additional eight points on a compass. These remaining points of the compass are called the secondary intercardinal points. These points lie halfway between the cardinal and intercardinal points. The direction and naming structure is similar to the intercardinal points. The cardinal point comes first and the intercardinal point follows. For example the first four secondary intercardinal points are: North-northeast, East northeast, East southeast and South-southeast. |  |
| The final four remaining points are: South-southwest, West southwest, West northwest, and North-northwest. | |
Multi-Tool Compass Features
Learning how to read a compass can mean learning how to use the many features associated with the compass. Many modern compasses will have multiple features and utilities, some of the more popular additions include:| Clinometer - A clinometer is an instrument that is used to measure the angle of an incline. Hikers use clinometers to determine the grade of a slope and in the winter these devices become extremely important to their safety. Experienced winter hikers know that snow covered slopes that have an angle between 25 degrees and 45 degrees are more likely to experience avalanches, thus slopes of this grade are avoided. |  |
| Altimeter - An altimeter is a device used for measuring altitude or elevation. Athletes that are training use altimeters to track their progress. Altimeters can also be used to predict the weather when outdoors. If an altimeter's barometer is falling it can be an indication of impending bad weather. |  |
| Azimuth - An azimuth is used to determine the clockwise horizontal angle to a satellite in the sky. Hikers use an azimuth to stay on course and avoid deviating from paths that were planned with the use of the compass. having this feature helps as it is the horizontal angle measured clockwise from horizon line. |  |
| Wind Chill Chart - While the name is self explanatory wind chill charts have become important in calculating the dangers associated with winter winds and freezing cold temperatures. Hikers use wind chill charts to prevent injury from the wind, which means they need to put on additional clothing, cover their faces, and determine when they will need to take shelter. |  |
| Mirrored Sighting - Mirrored sighting tends to be needed by the more experienced hikers as it is most useful for difficult terrains and featureless landscapes. It also helps to reflect the sun and get the attention of other hikers, if you get lost from the group. |  |
| Global Needles - North American compasses are balanced according to North America's magnetic field. In order for the compass to get an accurate reading it will need to be calibrated according to the earth's magnetic field, which varies from one continent to the next, so a compass that is only made for excursions in North America will not work properly in Australia. Compasses with a global needle are made to perform accurately within any of the earth's five identified magnetic fields. |  |
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