A pocket compass is round shaped and is used in directions. The pocket compass has a magnetized needle set over a compass rose that is marked in degrees from 0 to 360. This compass has limited features and is used mostly in determination of direction which proves very useful.
The compass is magnetically sensitive. This navigational device responds to the Earth’s magnetic field. You can use this compass to determine the direction you are heading or follow a map. The pocket compass is a very valuable tool for climbers, hikers or almost anyone who likes to explore remote areas. A compass will not require a power source unlike the GPS. It is small, very durable and lightweight.
There are some Compasses for Sale that have an adjustable declination arrow to correct any magnetic declination. Magnetic declination refers to the angle between magnetic north and true north. There is another option in the form of clinometers. This measures slope. There are also some compasses that have a cover with a mirror on the inside. The mirror will show the objects in the distance and the compass needle at the same time. You can even use the mirror for signaling.
These compasses have helped people navigate across sea and land for millions of years. The magnetized needle of the pocket compass is very sensitive to the earth’s magnetic field and will align itself with the south and north poles. Navigators can also use the north-pointing needle to plot courses anywhere in the world provided that they have bearings to follow.
You can lay the map on the table or any flat surface with the compass on top of it. You can turn the needle until it lines up with the northern cardinal point. This is going to be marked by the letter N.
Make sure you turn the map so that the top of the compass faces north and the bottom of it faces south. Virtually all maps are being created in order that the north is at the top.
Choose a destination point that is not too far away and find your location on the map. It is very easy to choose a destination that will lie on one of the cardinal points, for example one that is either directly below (south), right (east), left (west), or above (north) of the start point.
You can place or hold the compass flat on your palm and wait for the needle to settle. You use your body and turn it until the needle is pointing at the required cardinal point. Make sure you walk forward and keep the needle pointing at that particular destination.
You can improve your compass reading by choosing destinations at different inter-cardinal points such as South-East, South-West, North-West and North-East or even at secondary inter-cardinal points which is halfway between inter-cardinal point and cardinal point. Most of the destinations require multiple readings to take account of available walking areas and obstacles. The pocket really serves it purpose.