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