Chapter 5: Outdoor Safety
Topographic Maps and Compasses (continued)

The Compass

The orienteering compass is an important piece of equipment for outdoor travel.

A good orienteering compass has these features:

• Clear base plate that allows you to see the map underneath
• Straight sides for lining up two points or for drawing lines
• Liquid-filled needle housing that keeps the magnetic needle relatively steady when taking readings
• Two arrows: a direction arrow painted on the base plate is used to point the compass at your destination; an orienting arrow, located in the needle housing, is used to orient your compass to your map

Remember... Metal objects, such as knives, gun barrels, belt buckles, etc., will affect a magnetic needle.