วีดีโอ

True. Depending on the application it is very likely you don't need a compass. Now days you don't even need to purchase a GPS unit. Just download a free app onto your phone. I like to use the AVENZA app when I am in the field to track my location. The Theodolite app lets you link pictures to the GPS data and imbed the azimuth into images making repeat photography a breeze. The right tool depends on the task at hand. One key advantage of using a compass and physical map is that they will continue to work even when you run out of batteries....

@@richm-3803 thanks.

I was looking at the ones there too. I wanted to get the 360 degree global model though and it isn't listed there accurately if at all. I was able to find it on their website though. Cheers.

Depends on the map you are going to use it with. Check the measurement units on the physical map, book, or online resource you plan to take into the woods. Buy the compass that uses the same units of measurement in the map legend. Happy navigating!

@ highly anticipate it

pull harder to separate the black plastic from the clear plastic parts at the end opposite the hinge.

declination changes from map to map and every year also so if your map is like 5 years old changes are you are several degrees off

Correct. you will only change it if you move a significant distance 20-50 miles and use a new map.

point the "doghouse" hollow red arrow to north on the compass. this is 0 degrees of declination

On the back of the compass there is a tiny little screw. twist it using the little metal piece that came with the compass. If assembled properly the little metal piece should stay on the string. For a demo see the video at 07:56.

You also have marks for declination in 2° steps in the INSIDE of the Compass Can. If Not, use the outside marks also in 2° steps. He explained where you find the declination on the map.

on the back of the compass there is a little (tiny 3mm) flat head screw. Twist it until the dial is aligned with 0 at the top.

You can make a little ruler by copying the map scale units onto a scrap of paper or just use any object (e.g. the length of a your pinky) to transfer the printed map scale (length) between locations on the map. For example if your pinky is about the length of a mile, count the number of pinkies you can place between two points on the map to estimate distance between point A and B.

​@ericm.lamalfaph.d.4624 Is it better to just use USGS utm? I had a survival guy tell me to get it in metric scales. I keep reading I should get USGS for North America.

@@nicholasclarence Look at the maps that you plan to use with the compass and purchase the scale that matches them. UTMs are metric, some models have both metric and standard (miles) if you want to go back and fourth.

What do you feel are the best maps out there ? Any tips on where to buy them ?

@@nicholasclarence I like to print my own maps using the USGS website. They are the best quality, most updated, and they are FREE! paste this link into your browser apps.nationalmap.gov/downloader/#/ or this one www.usgs.gov/programs/national-geospatial-program/tools