How to read a compass
  • 1. What is the primary purpose of a compass?
A) To determine direction
B) To tell time
C) To find water
D) To measure distance
  • 2. Which direction does the red end of a compass needle typically point?
A) South
B) West
C) East
D) North
  • 3. What is the name for the rotating part of a compass marked with degrees?
A) Needle
B) Baseplate
C) Lubber line
D) Compass rose
  • 4. What is a bearing?
A) The altitude of a landmark
B) The distance to a landmark
C) The direction to a landmark in degrees
D) The type of compass used
  • 5. What is declination?
A) The angle of elevation
B) The speed of the needle
C) The difference between magnetic north and true north
D) The distance of travel
  • 6. Why is it important to adjust for declination?
A) To get an accurate bearing relative to true north
B) To make the compass easier to read
C) To protect the compass from damage
D) To improve the needle's sensitivity
  • 7. What should you do to avoid interference when using a compass?
A) Submerge it in water
B) Hold it as high as possible
C) Keep it away from metal objects
D) Shake it vigorously
  • 8. Which part of the compass is used for measuring distances on a map?
A) Compass Rose
B) Needle
C) Lubber Line
D) Baseplate
  • 9. What does orienting the map mean?
A) Folding the map correctly
B) Storing the map safely
C) Aligning the map with the terrain using the compass
D) Drawing on the map
  • 10. What is the lubber line on a compass?
A) A line used for measuring declination
B) A type of string attached to the compass
C) A fixed line indicating the direction of travel
D) A mark indicating true north
  • 11. How do you take a bearing to a distant object?
A) Point the compass at the object and read the degrees
B) Use a GPS device
C) Estimate the distance to the object
D) Ignore the compass and guess
  • 12. What is the best way to follow a bearing in the wilderness?
A) Run as fast as you can.
B) Follow any animal trails you find.
C) Choose a distant landmark on your bearing and walk to it, then repeat.
D) Walk in a straight line without stopping.
  • 13. What should you do if your compass needle is stuck?
A) Hit the compass hard.
B) Take the compass apart.
C) Tap the compass gently to dislodge it.
D) Ignore it and keep walking.
  • 14. Why is a sighting compass useful?
A) It works without a needle
B) It requires no declination adjustment
C) Allows for more precise bearing taking
D) It is smaller and lighter
  • 15. What does 'walking on a bearing' mean?
A) Walking very quickly
B) Maintaining a specific direction while traveling
C) Walking in circles
D) Walking uphill
  • 16. What unit of measure is most commonly used to express bearings?
A) Miles
B) Feet
C) Degrees
D) Radians
  • 17. What is a 'back bearing' used for?
A) To confirm your position and direction when retracing steps
B) To predict the weather
C) To measure the height of trees
D) To confuse yourself
  • 18. How is a back bearing calculated?
A) Add 180 degrees to the original bearing (or subtract 180 if it's over 180)
B) Divide the original bearing by 2
C) Multiply the original bearing by 2
D) Subtract the original bearing from 360
  • 19. Which of these is NOT a feature typically found on a baseplate compass?
A) Protractor
B) Magnifying glass
C) Altimeter
D) Ruler
  • 20. What should you do if you get lost despite using your compass?
A) Throw away your compass.
B) Stay calm and try to retrace your steps, or find a landmark.
C) Start a large fire immediately.
D) Panic and run aimlessly.
  • 21. When might you use a map in conjunction with a compass?
A) To start a fire
B) To swat insects
C) Never. Compasses are always used independently.
D) To plan a route and identify landmarks
  • 22. What is the purpose of the bezel on a compass?
A) To amplify sound
B) To set and follow a bearing
C) To protect the needle
D) To measure distance
  • 23. What happens to a compass near the North or South Pole?
A) The compass works perfectly
B) The needle spins uncontrollably
C) The compass ceases to function
D) The needle may become unreliable and point downwards
  • 24. What is triangulation in compass navigation?
A) Using a telescope to see far away
B) Walking in a triangular pattern
C) Measuring the angle of the sun
D) Using bearings from two known locations to pinpoint your position
  • 25. What is the difference between a magnetic bearing and a true bearing?
A) Magnetic bearing is more accurate than true bearing.
B) They are the same thing.
C) True bearing is easier to calculate.
D) Magnetic bearing is relative to magnetic north; true bearing is relative to true north.
  • 26. What impact does magnetic deviation have on compass readings?
A) It has no impact on compass readings.
B) It always improves compass accuracy.
C) It only affects digital compasses.
D) Localized magnetic fields (e.g., from vehicles) can cause errors.
  • 27. When is it most important to use a compass?
A) When visibility is poor, such as in fog or dense forest
B) When you can easily see landmarks
C) During the day
D) Only when you are completely lost
  • 28. What is the initial step when using a compass with a map?
A) Determine the declination for your location.
B) Point the compass needle north.
C) Estimate the distance to your destination.
D) Fold the map in half.
  • 29. Which type of compass is generally considered the most accurate for navigation?
A) Sundial compass
B) Button compass
C) Baseplate compass with adjustable declination
D) Digital compass
  • 30. What safety precaution should be taken when using a compass during thunderstorms?
A) The compass will attract lightning
B) Avoid being the tallest object in an open area
C) Nothing. Compasses are safe in all weather.
D) The compass works perfectly in all conditions
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