How to use a compass in orienteering

Two jobs

1. Orient the map (always).
2. Take a bearing (sometimes), when you must travel in a straight line with no clear features.

Orienting the map with a compass

1. Hold the map flat and place the compass on it.
2. Turn yourself (or the map) until the north lines on the map are parallel to the red end of the needle.
3. The map now faces the same way as the terrain: the hill on your right on the map is on your right on the ground.

Repeat every time you change direction. Good orienteers keep the map oriented almost all the time.

Taking a bearing with a baseplate compass

1. Lay the edge of the compass along the line from where you are to the next control, direction arrow pointing where you want to go.
2. Turn the housing until its north lines are parallel to the map’s north lines (housing north to map north).
3. Lift the compass and turn your whole body until the red end of the needle sits inside the orienting arrow. Go in the direction of travel arrow.
4. Pick a distant tree or rock on that line, go to it, then pick the next one.

Common mistakes

• Reading the needle backwards — a 180° error, the most common beginner mistake.
• Holding it near metal or a phone — keys, watches and phones can deflect the needle.
• Blindly trusting the bearing — a compass tells you direction, not position. Keep ticking off features. See thumbing.
• Long straight legs — use a handrail or attack point where you can.

Without a compass?

Yes. On park and campus courses, paths, buildings and clear features are enough to turn the map to match the ground. You won’t need a compass at Kanyon Orienteering’s taster sessions.