Follow a bearing

Read a compass, follow a bearing, and understand two kinds of north.

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5 questions0m 0s

Learn the skill

Hold a magnetic compass level and away from magnets or large metal objects. Let the needle settle. The north-seeking end follows the local magnetic field. True north and magnetic north can differ; that angle is declination. Practice with an adult in a familiar safe place.

Worked example

On a compass rose, north is 0 degrees, east 90, south 180, and west 270. The map must show how it is oriented.

Compass rose with north 0, east 90, south 180, west 270 degrees and clockwise direction.

Would you believe it?

A compass and a map can disagree about north without either being broken. Magnetic north and true north are different.

USGS: magnetic declination

Question 1 Which bearing points south? 180 degrees 90 degrees 270 degrees

Question 2 Starting north, a quarter turn clockwise points where? West North East

Question 3 Which bearing points west? 90 degrees 270 degrees 180 degrees

Question 4 A magnetic reading differs from true north. What correction may matter? Local declination Your shoe size The map color

Question 5 Before walking a route, what should you do? Stare at the compass while crossing traffic Ignore landmarks Plan a safe route with an adult

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