Compass

A compass is a navigation tool that uses Earth's magnetic field to point toward magnetic north, helping you determine direction and orient yourself on a map. Whether you're hiking in unfamiliar terrain, sailing across open water, or simply need to know which way you're facing, a compass provides reliable directional information without batteries or signals. Different compass types serve different purposes—from basic orienteering compasses for backcountry navigation to precision instruments used in surveying and marine work.

These guides cover how compasses work, how to read and use them correctly, and how to maintain them so they stay accurate. You'll learn about magnetic declination and how it affects your readings, how to take bearings from a map, and what factors can interfere with compass accuracy. Whether you're choosing your first compass or troubleshooting why yours isn't pointing true, these resources explain the practical skills you need.