Rotating compass housing: Rotates in either direction. Its border is
inscribed with numbers and markings. It begins with N for north and ends
where it began, 360 degrees later. On the bottom of the compass housing
is the red orienteering arrow, as well as parallel orienteering lines.
Magnetic needle: Balanced inside the compass housing, the magnetic nee-
dle is usually red and always points to magnetic north (as long as the com-
pass is held flat and is not placed near certain types of metal).
Taking a Bearing Without a Map
In simple terms, a bearing (one of the 360 points on a compass) is the
direction you want to travel in relation to magnetic north. The idea behind
taking a bearing is that it allows you to travel in a chosen direction using
landmarks as navigational aids. Hillsides, big rocks, unique-looking trees,
ponds, and lakes can all be used for this purpose. See the picture captions
and other steps that follow for instructions on taking a bearing.
Face the direction you want to go. Level the compass to allow the magnetic
needle to swing freely, and point the direction-of-travel arrow in the direction
that you have chosen.Now spin the compass housing until the orienteering arrow is directly
underneath the magnetic needle. The bearing is shown at the index mark (e.g.,
148 ̊). Choose a topographical landmark in that direction that you can easily
differentiate from others around it.Survival Travel and Navigation | 231