Magnetic bearings

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A magnetic bearing is a direction from one point to another, taken with a magnetic compass.

How to take a bearing

  1. Hold the compass in the palm of your hand with the direction-of-travel arrow pointing directly at the object on which you are taking a bearing.
  2. Unless your compass has a sighting device, hold the compass at about waist level, parallel to the ground.
  3. Make sure that no metal object (such as belt buckle) or electric current is close enough to deflect the needle.
  4. Let the compass needle reach a stationary position, then turn the compass housing until the North-seeking end of the compass needle (usually painted red) points to North (N) on the housing.
  5. Check to ensure that the direction-of-travel arrow is still aimed at the target (bearing) object.
  6. Now, simply read your bearing in degrees where the base of the direction-of-travel arrow meets the compass housing.
  7. Check to make sure the North end of the compass needle is aligned with North.



How to follow a bearing

If you wanted to travel a route on a bearing of 200˚, here's how you would do it.

  1. Start by turning the compass housing until the 200˚ mark is over the base of the direction-of-travel arrow.
  2. Now, hold the compass in the palm of your hand at waist level and in a horizontal position, with the direction-of-travel arrow pointing straight in front of your body. Turn your whole body (not just the compass) around slowly until the North-seeking end of the compass needle is aligned with North on the compass housing.
  3. To follow a bearing of 200˚, just walk in the direction indicated by the direction-of-travel arrow. (Do not travel in the direction of the compass needle, except when you want to go North.)

When following a bearing it's safer and more accurate to look ahead and pick out a landmark (e.g. a tree, rock, etc.) along your route. Then lower the compass and walk to the landmark. Repeat this procedure until you have reached your destination.

See also