How to use a compass and map: a simple guide

How to use a compass and map: a simple guide

This guide to using a compass and map should be enough to get you started and give you the confidence to put the skills to work for yourself in the mountains

As a student, I was lucky enough to learn how to use a compass and map. I then spent the best part of two decades applying these basic skills across the British countryside without ever actually having them tested.

I only learned how crucial these skills are during a white-out on the summit of Ben Nevis in Scotland during a winter mountaineering course. Luckily for us (or rather thanks to the course's well-planned route), we had spent the previous day brushing up on our navigation skills in a less hostile environment.

On the rocky plateau of Britain's highest mountain, in terrible weather and unable to see more than a meter or two ahead, my team and I were able to navigate safely away from the mountain and avoid hiking down one of its infamous and deadly gorges.

It had been an exciting day, but I was very grateful for the refresher day, which built on what I had learned as a schoolboy many years ago. These skills are even used when navigating underwater - essentially the same rules apply.

How to use a compass and map

With this in mind, I have written the following guide to using a compass and map. This should be enough to get you started and, with a little practice, give you confidence for more adventurous expeditions.

Compass functions

First things first, you need to know the different functions of the compass and their purpose.

Find north

North is north, right? If only...

Over short distances the following is not so important as it makes little difference. However, there is a difference between magnetic north on the compass and grid north on your map.

This varies in different regions of the world. So, depending on your location and the distance traveled, be prepared that this may affect your navigation.

Order measurementThere are three different north!

There are actually three different norths!

The needle of your compass always points to magnetic north. Information about this “magnetic declination” is usually printed on trail maps such as Ordnance Survey’s which will tell you how much to take into account.

In most parts of the UK the difference is approximately two degrees, so you should adjust your compass by turning the bezel two degrees anti-clockwise. You may want to mark this point with tape or a marker.

In some parts of the world the difference can be up to 20 degrees. Make sure you know the magnetic declination in the area you're hiking, and if your map doesn't have it, get a better one!

AnnaTamila/ShutterstockKnowing how to use a compass and map can save lives

Using a compass

There are four main uses for a compass:

Know your headline

Set the map

You must adjust the map using your compass and orient it to match the surrounding landscape. This makes it easier to relate what you see on the map to what you see on the ground.

jessicahyde/ShutterstockKnow how to set up the map and orient yourself

Get your bearings

Follow a bearing

Video playlist

This comprehensive series of videos from Ordnance Survey on using a compass and map and other aspects of navigation is one of the best I've seen.

More resources

• Anfängerleitfaden zur Verwendung eines Kompasses, Ordnance Survey
• Die zehn Grundlagen der Bergsteiger
• Ramblers UK-Navigationsabschnitt
• Grundlagen der REI-Navigation (Teil der REI-Reihe zur Navigation)
• Bergsteigen: Die Freiheit der Hügel
• Navigation in the Mountains: The definitiv guide for Hill Walkers, Mountaineers & Leaders ist das offizielle Navigationsbuch für alle Bergtrainingsprogramme (Mountain Training Handbook)
• Seien Sie Experte mit Karte und Kompass: Das komplette Orientierungslauf-Handbuch

Mission statement: Dreamstime

      .