How to read a compass - Test
  • 1. What is the primary purpose of a compass?
A) To measure distance
B) To tell time
C) To find water
D) To determine direction
  • 2. Which direction does the red end of a compass needle typically point?
A) South
B) North
C) West
D) East
  • 3. What is the name for the rotating part of a compass marked with degrees?
A) Baseplate
B) Compass rose
C) Needle
D) Lubber line
  • 4. What is a bearing?
A) The direction to a landmark in degrees
B) The distance to a landmark
C) The altitude of a landmark
D) The type of compass used
  • 5. What is declination?
A) The distance of travel
B) The difference between magnetic north and true north
C) The speed of the needle
D) The angle of elevation
  • 6. Why is it important to adjust for declination?
A) To make the compass easier to read
B) To get an accurate bearing relative to true north
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) Hold it as high as possible
B) Keep it away from metal objects
C) Shake it vigorously
D) Submerge it in water
  • 8. Which part of the compass is used for measuring distances on a map?
A) Lubber Line
B) Needle
C) Compass Rose
D) Baseplate
  • 9. What does orienting the map mean?
A) Storing the map safely
B) Folding the map correctly
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 mark indicating true north
B) A fixed line indicating the direction of travel
C) A type of string attached to the compass
D) A line used for measuring declination
  • 11. How do you take a bearing to a distant object?
A) Estimate the distance to the object
B) Use a GPS device
C) Ignore the compass and guess
D) Point the compass at the object and read the degrees
  • 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) Ignore it and keep walking.
D) Tap the compass gently to dislodge it.
  • 14. Why is a sighting compass useful?
A) It is smaller and lighter
B) Allows for more precise bearing taking
C) It works without a needle
D) It requires no declination adjustment
  • 15. What does 'walking on a bearing' mean?
A) Maintaining a specific direction while traveling
B) Walking very quickly
C) Walking uphill
D) Walking in circles
  • 16. What unit of measure is most commonly used to express bearings?
A) Miles
B) Radians
C) Degrees
D) Feet
  • 17. What is a 'back bearing' used for?
A) To confuse yourself
B) To predict the weather
C) To measure the height of trees
D) To confirm your position and direction when retracing steps
  • 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) Panic and run aimlessly.
B) Start a large fire immediately.
C) Stay calm and try to retrace your steps, or find a landmark.
D) Throw away your compass.
  • 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 protect the needle
B) To set and follow a bearing
C) To amplify sound
D) To measure distance
  • 23. What happens to a compass near the North or South Pole?
A) The needle may become unreliable and point downwards
B) The compass works perfectly
C) The compass ceases to function
D) The needle spins uncontrollably
  • 24. What is triangulation in compass navigation?
A) Measuring the angle of the sun
B) Using bearings from two known locations to pinpoint your position
C) Using a telescope to see far away
D) Walking in a triangular pattern
  • 25. What is the difference between a magnetic bearing and a true bearing?
A) They are the same thing.
B) True bearing is easier to calculate.
C) Magnetic bearing is relative to magnetic north; true bearing is relative to true north.
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) It has no impact on compass readings.
C) Localized magnetic fields (e.g., from vehicles) can cause errors.
D) It only affects digital compasses.
  • 27. When is it most important to use a compass?
A) When visibility is poor, such as in fog or dense forest
B) During the day
C) Only when you are completely lost
D) When you can easily see landmarks
  • 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) Fold the map in half.
D) Estimate the distance to your destination.
  • 29. Which type of compass is generally considered the most accurate for navigation?
A) Digital compass
B) Sundial compass
C) Baseplate compass with adjustable declination
D) Button compass
  • 30. What safety precaution should be taken when using a compass during thunderstorms?
A) Nothing. Compasses are safe in all weather.
B) The compass will attract lightning
C) The compass works perfectly in all conditions
D) Avoid being the tallest object in an open area
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