compass navigation
Magnetic bearing travel
Compass navigation is the practice of determining direction and plotting a course using a magnetic compass.
The compass needle aligns with Earth's magnetic field, pointing toward magnetic north and allowing travelers to orient themselves and maintain a heading.
Basic compass navigation is essential for backcountry hiking.
The term distinguishes traditional methods from GPS and other electronic navigation systems.
- map readingInterpreting geographic diagrams
- orienteeringCompetitive terrain navigation sport
- cardinal directionsPrimary navigational bearings
- sextantMaritime angular measurement device
- gyrocompassSpinning rotor direction finder
lodestone · wayfinding · astrolabe · triangulation · azimuth · true north · merit badges · bearing · nautical charts · declination · GPS receiver · map · direction · lost · chart · heading · dial · needle
- Backcountry Hikingwilderness camping, trail maps, water purification, backpacking, bushwhacking
- scuba divingscuba, regulator, BCD, scuba diving, wetsuit
- Arctic ExplorationNorth Pole, Arctic, polar exploration, Arctic Circle, polar expedition
- outdoor educationoutdoor education, outdoor learning, outdoor skills, outdoor leadership, nature study
- ArcticArctic Circle, Arctic Ocean, Arctic wildlife, Arctic exploration, Arctic research
- Middle EastIraq, Baghdad, Cairo, Iran, Jordan
compass navigationGPS navigation
Satellite-based directional system
satellite navigation · satnav · turn-by-turn navigation · radio navigation
compass navigationgetting lost
Becoming unable to navigate
disorientation · wandering · drifting · going astray · meandering