How to read a compass - Test
  • 1. What is the primary purpose of a compass?
A) To determine direction
B) To find water
C) To tell time
D) To measure distance
  • 2. Which direction does the red end of a compass needle typically point?
A) West
B) East
C) South
D) North
  • 3. What is the name for the rotating part of a compass marked with degrees?
A) Lubber line
B) Compass rose
C) Needle
D) Baseplate
  • 4. What is a bearing?
A) The type of compass used
B) The direction to a landmark in degrees
C) The altitude of a landmark
D) The distance to a landmark
  • 5. What is declination?
A) The angle of elevation
B) The difference between magnetic north and true north
C) The speed of the needle
D) The distance of travel
  • 6. Why is it important to adjust for declination?
A) To protect the compass from damage
B) To improve the needle's sensitivity
C) To make the compass easier to read
D) To get an accurate bearing relative to true north
  • 7. What should you do to avoid interference when using a compass?
A) Keep it away from metal objects
B) Shake it vigorously
C) Submerge it in water
D) Hold it as high as possible
  • 8. Which part of the compass is used for measuring distances on a map?
A) Needle
B) Lubber Line
C) Baseplate
D) Compass Rose
  • 9. What does orienting the map mean?
A) Folding the map correctly
B) Aligning the map with the terrain using the compass
C) Drawing on the map
D) Storing the map safely
  • 10. What is the lubber line on a compass?
A) A line used for measuring declination
B) A mark indicating true north
C) A fixed line indicating the direction of travel
D) A type of string attached to the compass
  • 11. How do you take a bearing to a distant object?
A) Estimate the distance to the object
B) Point the compass at the object and read the degrees
C) Use a GPS device
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) Choose a distant landmark on your bearing and walk to it, then repeat.
C) Walk in a straight line without stopping.
D) Follow any animal trails you find.
  • 13. What should you do if your compass needle is stuck?
A) Hit the compass hard.
B) Tap the compass gently to dislodge it.
C) Take the compass apart.
D) Ignore it and keep walking.
  • 14. Why is a sighting compass useful?
A) It is smaller and lighter
B) Allows for more precise bearing taking
C) It requires no declination adjustment
D) It works without a needle
  • 15. What does 'walking on a bearing' mean?
A) Walking very quickly
B) Maintaining a specific direction while traveling
C) Walking uphill
D) Walking in circles
  • 16. What unit of measure is most commonly used to express bearings?
A) Degrees
B) Radians
C) Miles
D) Feet
  • 17. What is a 'back bearing' used for?
A) To confirm your position and direction when retracing steps
B) To measure the height of trees
C) To confuse yourself
D) To predict the weather
  • 18. How is a back bearing calculated?
A) Divide the original bearing by 2
B) Multiply the original bearing by 2
C) Subtract the original bearing from 360
D) Add 180 degrees to the original bearing (or subtract 180 if it's over 180)
  • 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) Throw away your compass.
B) Start a large fire immediately.
C) Stay calm and try to retrace your steps, or find a landmark.
D) Panic and run aimlessly.
  • 21. When might you use a map in conjunction with a compass?
A) To plan a route and identify landmarks
B) To swat insects
C) To start a fire
D) Never. Compasses are always used independently.
  • 22. What is the purpose of the bezel on a compass?
A) To protect the needle
B) To amplify sound
C) To measure distance
D) To set and follow a bearing
  • 23. What happens to a compass near the North or South Pole?
A) The compass works perfectly
B) The compass ceases to function
C) The needle may become unreliable and point downwards
D) The needle spins uncontrollably
  • 24. What is triangulation in compass navigation?
A) Using a telescope to see far away
B) Measuring the angle of the sun
C) Using bearings from two known locations to pinpoint your position
D) Walking in a triangular pattern
  • 25. What is the difference between a magnetic bearing and a true bearing?
A) True bearing is easier to calculate.
B) They are the same thing.
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 only affects digital compasses.
B) Localized magnetic fields (e.g., from vehicles) can cause errors.
C) It has no impact on compass readings.
D) It always improves compass accuracy.
  • 27. When is it most important to use a compass?
A) Only when you are completely lost
B) When you can easily see landmarks
C) When visibility is poor, such as in fog or dense forest
D) During the day
  • 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) Button compass
D) Baseplate compass with adjustable declination
  • 30. What safety precaution should be taken when using a compass during thunderstorms?
A) The compass will attract lightning
B) The compass works perfectly in all conditions
C) Avoid being the tallest object in an open area
D) Nothing. Compasses are safe in all weather.
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