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How to read a compass - Test
Contributed by: Roe
  • 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) Lubber line
B) Compass rose
C) Needle
D) Baseplate
  • 4. What is a bearing?
A) The distance to a landmark
B) The type of compass used
C) The direction to a landmark in degrees
D) The altitude of a landmark
  • 5. What is declination?
A) The angle of elevation
B) The distance of travel
C) The speed of the needle
D) The difference between magnetic north and true north
  • 6. Why is it important to adjust for declination?
A) To make the compass easier to read
B) To improve the needle's sensitivity
C) To get an accurate bearing relative to true north
D) To protect the compass from damage
  • 7. What should you do to avoid interference when using a compass?
A) Shake it vigorously
B) Keep it away from metal objects
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) Baseplate
C) Compass Rose
D) Lubber Line
  • 9. What does orienting the map mean?
A) Storing the map safely
B) Drawing on the map
C) Folding the map correctly
D) Aligning the map with the terrain using the compass
  • 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) Point the compass at the object and read the degrees
C) Ignore the compass and guess
D) Use a GPS device
  • 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) Tap the compass gently to dislodge it.
B) Ignore it and keep walking.
C) Hit the compass hard.
D) Take the compass apart.
  • 14. Why is a sighting compass useful?
A) It requires no declination adjustment
B) It is smaller and lighter
C) Allows for more precise bearing taking
D) It works without a needle
  • 15. What does 'walking on a bearing' mean?
A) Maintaining a specific direction while traveling
B) Walking in circles
C) Walking uphill
D) Walking very quickly
  • 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 confuse yourself
B) To confirm your position and direction when retracing steps
C) To predict the weather
D) To measure the height of trees
  • 18. How is a back bearing calculated?
A) Divide the original bearing by 2
B) Subtract the original bearing from 360
C) Multiply the original bearing by 2
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) Altimeter
C) Magnifying glass
D) Ruler
  • 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) Panic and run aimlessly.
C) Start a large fire immediately.
D) Throw away your compass.
  • 21. When might you use a map in conjunction with a compass?
A) To plan a route and identify landmarks
B) Never. Compasses are always used independently.
C) To swat insects
D) To start a fire
  • 22. What is the purpose of the bezel on a compass?
A) To protect the needle
B) To measure distance
C) To amplify sound
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 needle spins uncontrollably
C) The needle may become unreliable and point downwards
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) Measuring the angle of the sun
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) Magnetic bearing is more accurate than true bearing.
B) True bearing is easier to calculate.
C) They are the same thing.
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) It has no impact on compass readings.
D) Localized magnetic fields (e.g., from vehicles) can cause errors.
  • 27. When is it most important to use a compass?
A) When you can easily see landmarks
B) Only when you are completely lost
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) 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) Baseplate compass with adjustable declination
B) Button compass
C) Digital compass
D) Sundial compass
  • 30. What safety precaution should be taken when using a compass during thunderstorms?
A) The compass works perfectly in all conditions
B) Avoid being the tallest object in an open area
C) The compass will attract lightning
D) Nothing. Compasses are safe in all weather.
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