Start by taking a bearing as normal using your map, then, holding the compass fixed against your hips, turn your body until the red end of the compass needle points to 10° on the ‘W.decl.’ scale.

Orienteering can sound complex, but by placing your own compass over the map illustrations and following these instructions, you’ll discover that it’s actually quite simple—and fun. 2.

This is why basic compass and map skills are so important. "Using a map with a compass is a skill that a lot of most people probably don't possess anymore," Bieri said.

Use the landmark to adjust for the difference between true north and magnetic north, which is what the compass needle indicates. (In the U.S., magnetic north can vary by up to 20 degrees from true ...

A map skills training class will be held on May 11, 9:30 a.m. to noon at Elysian Park. The class will cover terrain types and how to keep track of your location, and will include map exercises.

The Map and Compass Navigation Skills Class will meet at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 10, at Rockwood Nature Center at 3401 Courthouse Road in Chesterfield. Admission is $15, ...