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The Points of the Compass North, South, East and West are
the four main cardinal points of the compass. There are in all 32 points of the compass, but only 16 of them are normally
used for the description of direction. These are the four cardinal points and twelve intermediate points.
- True North The actual direction of the geographical North Pole.
- Grid North The direction of the vertical lines on a map.
- Magnetic North The location of the Earths magnetic field and the direction
the needle on a compass points.
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THE LIGHTWEIGHT
COMPASS
Know your compass and its component parts and uses:
- Scale Ruler Used to measure
distances on the map.
- Magnifier For helping to read small details
or in cluttered areas of the map.
- Index Line This is the point where you read of the bearing.
This is also luminous.
- Direction of Travel Arrow This must always point in the
direction you want to go.
- Orienteering Lines These lines are used when applying bearings
from and to the map.
- Compass Housing A rotating dial marked in 2 degree increments .
- Magnetic Needle The red half points to magnetic north,
also has luminous marks.
- Romer Scales To help plot and take grid references of
the map. Be careful to use the correct scale.
- Stencil Hole Used in marking exact positions on the map
- Calibrations From 0 to 360
degrees in 2 degree increments.
- Silicone Feet To prevent the compass from sliding.
- Clear Base Plate Ideally you want a compass with a decent
size base plate.
Tip: If at night you cannot see the
luminous parts of the compass properly, all you have to do, to illuminate them more ,just switch your torch on and shine
it onto the luminous parts of the compass.
| Componet parts of the compass |
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Click here for Silva Compasses
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COMPASS
MAINTENANCE
- Check for bubbles, if there is a bubble in a compass, this can cause errors when taking bearings.
Normally heat will remove the bubble, i.e. place the compass in a pocket, which is close to your body, leave it for a while
and it should disappear. If not the compass needs to be replaced.
- Avoid handling a compass when you have just applied insect repellent, most repellents contain a chemical
that re-acts with plastic and causes it to become tacky.
- Check periodically or when the accuracy of the compass is in doubt to see if it is functioning correctly.
HOW TO REMAGNETISE YOUR
COMPASS
- Cover the compass housing with cling film, to avoid scratching it with the magnet.
- Quickly stroke the South Pole of a strong magnet along the North point of the compass needle.
- Repeat with the North Pole of the magnet along the South point of the compass needle. Repeat until
the needle settles.
- Check the compass is safe again by comparing with a compass you know to be correct.
ARGYLL OUTDOOR NAVIGATION
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