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