Introduction

The compass is a useful tool, especially when combined with the use of a map. Once you are used to them they are easy to use and in poor weather conditions or unfamiliar country they are a welcome addition to anyone's personal equipment.

The most common type of compass simply uses a magnetic strip, carefully balanced and isolated, that will simply point to (Magnetic) North.

Here you can find some ideas and pointers on how best to use your compass, both alone and in conjunction with a map.

You will find it useful to look at related topics in the Map and Tracking (Direction Finding) sections.