Using a Map and Compass to Find Your Way in the Wilderness

In Disney's popular Pirates of the Caribbean movies, Captain Jack Sparrow's whirling compass pointed exactly to what he wanted every time without a map. All he had to do was roll his kohl-lined eyes and imagine where he wanted to go, and his compass would lead him there.

Sorry, Matey, but that doesn't exactly work for the rest of us. What do everyday explorers need to know to use a basic map and compass?

If you are striking off into the wilderness, chances are you left your 21^st-century, satellite-guided global positioning system (GPS) in the car. And, of course, even ON-STAR cannot help you when you're hiking in the woods.

Here's how to find your path, the old-fashioned way:

Know your basic directions.

Orienteering is the sport of navigating directionally, using a compass. The main elements are based on longitudinal and latitudinal directions: North, East, South, and West.

Remember these with this simple sentence: "Never Eat Soggy Waffles."

Between these four points are combination points (Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest).

Every map and compass will coordinate to these basic directional points.

Make sure you have a map.

If you are planning a hiking or camping trip, particularly into unfamiliar territory, then you will want to have a map. Check with the national parks service, forest rangers, county board, or travel bureau. Or go online and print your own. Google Earth and other sites offer numerous choices.

A map is essentially a simplified aerial drawing.

Maps are always drawn with North at the top. A measurement key is provided, usually as an inset box, to indicate the inches-to-miles ratio. Man-made and natural landmarks are often pictured, along with highways, roads, and trails.

Carry a compass.

A compass is a magnetically-oriented device that can help you to find your direction.

Basically, a compass should include three main components.

The central feature of a compass is the Directional Dial. This 360-degree circular diagram contains four basic bearings (North, East, South, and West), as well as combinational bearings (NE, SE, SW, and NE).

The Base Plate is under the Directional Dial. This should contain a Direction of Travel Arrow indicating the direction you are traveling. The line on the arrow is called the Index Line.

The active component of a compass is the Magnetic North Arrow. The magnet in the arrow of a working compass always points due north. (Other magnets, certain metallic minerals, cell phones, and some batteries can confuse a compass.)

Occasionally, a compass will be equipped with a mirror for directional viewings, as well as a ruler and magnifying glass for map-reading.

Practice basic navigational skills.

If you have a local street map, you can try out your directional skills on your home turf before you head for the wilderness. Why not take a long stroll into a new neighborhood with your dog to test your map and compass skills?

Advanced navigators have learned to recognize constellations by night and the sun's movements by night. They are able to use these as beacons to orient themselves with their compasses. By doing so, they can find their way on land or on sea.

Here's how orienteering works:

Suppose you are hiking on a trail, and you seem to have lost your bearings. Look around you for a landmark. Now find that landmark on your map. Point the Directional Travel Arrow at the landmark. The Magnetic North Arrow in the compass will point north. This will enable you to plot out the direction you are hiking.

Next, you place your compass on your map, aligning it in the same direction. By doing so, you should be able to determine where you are, and which direction you should go to reach your intended destination.

Once you learn how to find your way, using a map and compass, you may never be lost again!