Using a Compass to Take a Bearing Visually

When visibility is subject to change, such as from hills or fog, take a bearing on your destination while you can see it. Then, when it’s out of sight, use the bearing to find your direction. To take a bearing:

• Hold the compass level, and point its direction-of-travel arrow toward your destination.
• Rotate the azimuth ring until the orienting arrow lines up with the magnetic needle. Be sure the north end of the needle (usually red) points to N, not S.
• Find where the degree markings around the azimuth ring line up with the direction-of-travel arrow. That degree mark is your bearing.