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) East
D) West
  • 3. What is the name for the rotating part of a compass marked with degrees?
A) Baseplate
B) Compass rose
C) Lubber line
D) Needle
  • 4. What is a bearing?
A) The altitude of a landmark
B) The type of compass used
C) The distance to a landmark
D) The direction to a landmark in degrees
  • 5. What is declination?
A) The difference between magnetic north and true north
B) The speed of the needle
C) The distance of travel
D) The angle of elevation
  • 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) Hold it as high as possible
C) Submerge it in water
D) Shake it vigorously
  • 8. Which part of the compass is used for measuring distances on a map?
A) Lubber Line
B) Compass Rose
C) Baseplate
D) Needle
  • 9. What does orienting the map mean?
A) Storing the map safely
B) Aligning the map with the terrain using the compass
C) Drawing on the map
D) Folding the map correctly
  • 10. What is the lubber line on a compass?
A) A type of string attached to the compass
B) A fixed line indicating the direction of travel
C) A line used for measuring declination
D) A mark indicating true north
  • 11. How do you take a bearing to a distant object?
A) Use a GPS device
B) Point the compass at the object and read the degrees
C) Ignore the compass and guess
D) Estimate the distance to the object
  • 12. What is the best way to follow a bearing in the wilderness?
A) Follow any animal trails you find.
B) Run as fast as you can.
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) Ignore it and keep walking.
B) Tap the compass gently to dislodge it.
C) Hit the compass hard.
D) Take the compass apart.
  • 14. Why is a sighting compass useful?
A) Allows for more precise bearing taking
B) It is smaller and lighter
C) It requires no declination adjustment
D) It works without a needle
  • 15. What does 'walking on a bearing' mean?
A) Walking in circles
B) Walking very quickly
C) Maintaining a specific direction while traveling
D) Walking uphill
  • 16. What unit of measure is most commonly used to express bearings?
A) Miles
B) Degrees
C) Feet
D) Radians
  • 17. What is a 'back bearing' used for?
A) To predict the weather
B) To confirm your position and direction when retracing steps
C) To measure the height of trees
D) To confuse yourself
  • 18. How is a back bearing calculated?
A) Divide the original bearing by 2
B) Add 180 degrees to the original bearing (or subtract 180 if it's over 180)
C) Subtract the original bearing from 360
D) Multiply the original bearing by 2
  • 19. Which of these is NOT a feature typically found on a baseplate compass?
A) Magnifying glass
B) Ruler
C) Protractor
D) Altimeter
  • 20. What should you do if you get lost despite using your compass?
A) Stay calm and try to retrace your steps, or find a landmark.
B) Start a large fire immediately.
C) Throw away your compass.
D) Panic and run aimlessly.
  • 21. When might you use a map in conjunction with a compass?
A) Never. Compasses are always used independently.
B) To start a fire
C) To swat insects
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 measure distance
D) To amplify sound
  • 23. What happens to a compass near the North or South Pole?
A) The compass ceases to function
B) The needle spins uncontrollably
C) The needle may become unreliable and point downwards
D) The compass works perfectly
  • 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) They are the same thing.
B) True bearing is easier to calculate.
C) Magnetic bearing is more accurate than true bearing.
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 only affects digital compasses.
B) It always improves compass accuracy.
C) Localized magnetic fields (e.g., from vehicles) can cause errors.
D) It has no impact on compass readings.
  • 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) During the day
D) When visibility is poor, such as in fog or dense forest
  • 28. What is the initial step when using a compass with a map?
A) Point the compass needle north.
B) Fold the map in half.
C) Determine the declination for your location.
D) Estimate the distance to your destination.
  • 29. Which type of compass is generally considered the most accurate for navigation?
A) Digital compass
B) Button compass
C) Baseplate compass with adjustable declination
D) Sundial compass
  • 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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