Briar Patch Outdoors

Land Navigation - Part Two

by Keith A. "Bootlegger" Williams

It is important to have an understanding of compass operation, as it is one of the most useful tools that you can have, and is small and inexpensive enough that every member of a search team should have one. The following is a discussion of the main parts of a compass and their usage.

Base Plate - This is the fixed portion of the compass, upon which all other parts are attached.

North Seeking Arrow (Needle) - This is the magnetic needle which always points to Magnetic North.

Bezel Ring - The rotating dial which is marked in increments.

Index Line - The line to which the selected mark on the bezel ring must line up with.

Orienting Arrow - The arrow on the base plate, to which the North Seeking Arrow must align.

Direction of Travel Arrow - The arrow, which you will follow to reach the desired direction.

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This is a close up of the compass bezel ring. As you can see, it is divided into 360 degrees, in 2 degree increments.

ON TO PART 3 - Land Navigation

- Woodsrunner Tips -

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Briar Patch Outdoors
219 Holmes Street
Durand MI 48429
(989) 288-0168

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