How to navigate through the wilderness with a compass
  • 1. What is the primary purpose of a compass in wilderness navigation?
A) To estimate distance.
B) To measure altitude.
C) To predict weather.
D) To determine direction relative to magnetic north.
  • 2. Which part of the compass points towards magnetic north?
A) The baseplate.
B) The declination adjustment screw.
C) The bezel.
D) The magnetized needle.
  • 3. What is declination?
A) The distance between two points on a map.
B) The angle of elevation.
C) The compass's margin of error.
D) The angle between true north and magnetic north.
  • 4. Why is declination important to consider when navigating with a compass and map?
A) It's not important.
B) To accurately convert map bearings to field bearings and vice versa.
C) To ensure the compass needle doesn't stick.
D) To prevent damage to the compass.
  • 5. What is a bearing?
A) The weight of your backpack.
B) The type of terrain you are crossing.
C) The direction, expressed in degrees, from one point to another.
D) The compass's warranty information.
  • 6. How do you take a bearing from a map using a compass?
A) Simply guess the direction based on map features.
B) Point the compass at the destination and read the degree on the bezel.
C) Hold the compass flat and spin around until the needle aligns with north.
D) Align the compass baseplate along the desired route on the map and then rotate the bezel to align the orienting lines with true north.
  • 7. What is 'boxing the compass'?
A) Protecting the compass from damage.
B) Storing the compass properly.
C) Aligning the compass needle within the orienting arrow.
D) Calibrating the compass.
  • 8. When taking a bearing in the field, what should you do after sighting your target?
A) Hold the compass steady and rotate the bezel until the orienting arrow aligns with the north end of the magnetic needle.
B) Throw the compass in the air to check the wind direction.
C) Immediately start walking in the direction of the target.
D) Consult a weather app on your phone.
  • 9. What is a back bearing?
A) The bearing of the sun at sunset.
B) A spare compass kept in your backpack.
C) The reciprocal bearing, used to backtrack your route.
D) The type of compass used for ocean navigation.
  • 10. How do you calculate a back bearing?
A) Subtract your declination from your bearing.
B) Add 180 degrees to your bearing if it's less than 180, or subtract 180 degrees if it's more than 180.
C) Divide your bearing by 2.
D) Multiply your bearing by 2.
  • 11. What should you do if you encounter an obstacle while following a bearing?
A) Walk a perpendicular course around the obstacle, keeping track of the distance and direction, then resume your original bearing.
B) Call for help.
C) Climb over the obstacle regardless of safety.
D) Turn around and go back the way you came.
  • 12. What is 'dead reckoning'?
A) Navigating using a GPS device.
B) Navigating using only the sun and stars.
C) Navigating by pure luck.
D) Navigating by estimating distance and direction from a known starting point.
  • 13. What is pacing used for in navigation?
A) Determining altitude.
B) Predicting weather patterns.
C) Estimating distance traveled.
D) Calculating declination.
  • 14. What is a 'handrail' in navigation?
A) A linear feature like a river or trail that you can follow to stay on course.
B) A type of hiking boot.
C) A rope used for rappelling.
D) The edge of a cliff.
  • 15. What is an 'attack point' in navigation?
A) A dangerous animal encounter.
B) A military term for an ambush.
C) A place to set up camp.
D) An easily identifiable feature near your target, making it easier to find.
  • 16. How often should you take bearings and check your position?
A) Regularly, especially in unfamiliar or challenging terrain.
B) Only when the weather is bad.
C) Only when you get lost.
D) Only at the beginning of your hike.
  • 17. What is the most important thing to remember when using a compass and map?
A) Navigation is only necessary for experienced hikers.
B) You can always rely on technology instead of traditional methods.
C) Practice and familiarity with your equipment are essential.
D) A fancy compass is always better than a basic one.
  • 18. What effect does metal have on a compass?
A) It can only affect electronic compasses.
B) It has no effect on the compass.
C) It enhances the magnetic field and makes the compass more accurate.
D) It can interfere with the magnetic field and cause inaccurate readings.
  • 19. What should you do if your compass breaks or malfunctions?
A) Continue navigating as if the compass is still working.
B) Rely on other navigation techniques, such as using the sun or natural landmarks, and backtrack if necessary.
C) Panic and call for help immediately.
D) Throw the compass away and hope for the best.
  • 20. Which of these is the LEAST important to have when navigating with a compass?
A) A topographic map of the area.
B) A GPS device with pre-loaded maps.
C) Knowledge of how to use the compass and map.
D) A properly functioning compass.
  • 21. What does orienting a map mean?
A) Throwing the map away.
B) Folding the map correctly.
C) Laminating the map.
D) Aligning the map with the surrounding terrain.
  • 22. When should you adjust your compass for declination?
A) Before you begin your navigation.
B) After you complete navigation.
C) Declination never needs to be adjusted.
D) Only when you are lost.
  • 23. Why are topographic maps important for wilderness navigation?
A) They are printed on waterproof paper.
B) They show elevation changes and terrain features.
C) They show the best places to camp.
D) They provide weather forecasts.
  • 24. What is triangulation?
A) A method of fire starting.
B) Eating three triangles of cheese.
C) Using bearings to two or more known landmarks to determine your position.
D) Calculating the area of a triangle.
  • 25. Which of the following is a good safety practice when navigating alone?
A) Turn off your phone to conserve battery.
B) Tell someone your planned route and expected return time.
C) Hike as fast as possible.
D) Don't bring any extra supplies to save weight.
  • 26. What is the 'orienting arrow' or 'shed' on a compass used for?
A) To store a small emergency whistle.
B) To align with the north end of the magnetic needle after setting your bearing.
C) To measure the angle of a slope.
D) To indicate the direction of travel.
  • 27. What should you do if you realize you are lost?
A) Give up and wait to be rescued.
B) Stay calm, try to retrace your steps, and use your map and compass to determine your location.
C) Start yelling for help immediately.
D) Run in a random direction until you find help.
  • 28. Which type of compass is generally considered best for wilderness navigation?
A) A wrist compass.
B) A digital compass.
C) A baseplate compass.
D) A smartphone compass app.
  • 29. What is the purpose of the rotating bezel on a compass?
A) To set and follow bearings.
B) To magnify small details on a map.
C) To store matches.
D) To protect the compass needle.
  • 30. When using a compass and map, what does 'following a bearing' entail?
A) Maintaining a consistent direction indicated by the compass while moving through the terrain.
B) Ignoring the compass and relying solely on your instincts.
C) Quickly glancing at the compass and continuing on your current path.
D) Always walking towards the highest point on the horizon.
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