How to Read a Compass and Navigate Without GPS  

A compass is a simple but powerful tool that helps you find your way by showing you which direction you’re facing.

Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just learning navigation skills, here’s how to use a compass to figure out direction:

1. Hold the Compass Properly

• Place the compass flat in your hand at waist level.

• Make sure the direction-of-travel arrow (the arrow on the baseplate) is pointing straight ahead, away from you.

2. Let the Needle Settle

• The magnetic needle inside the compass will move around until it points to magnetic north.

• The red end of the needle usually indicates north.

3. Rotate the Compass Housing (Bezel)

• Turn the rotating dial until the orienting arrow (inside the bezel) lines up with the red needle.

• This is called “putting red in the shed”—meaning the needle sits inside the outline of the orienting arrow.

4. Read the Direction You’re Facing

• Look at the number (degree) on the bezel that lines up with the direction-of-travel arrow.

• That number tells you the bearing—the direction you’re currently facing.

For example:

• If the arrow lines up with 0° or 360°, you’re facing north.

• 90° is east

• 180° is south

• 270° is west

Quick Reference: Main Directions

Bonus Tip: Move in a Specific Direction

Want to walk east? Just:

1. Turn the bezel to 90°.

2. Rotate your body until the red needle lines up with the orienting arrow.

3. Walk in the direction of the travel arrow — now you’re heading east!

Final Thoughts

Knowing direction with a compass is all about aligning the magnetic needle with the housing and reading the bearing where the compass points. With just a little practice, you can confidently find your way without relying on technology.

Whether you’re hiking in the wilderness or just trying to get your bearings in a new city, knowing your direction is a valuable skill. Here are a few simple ways to figure it out:

1. Use a Compass

A compass is the most reliable way to know the direction you’re facing.

Steps:

1. Hold the compass flat in your hand.

2. Let the magnetic needle settle — the red end points to magnetic north.

3. Turn your body until the needle lines up with the orienting arrow inside the dial.

4. Look at the direction-of-travel arrow — this shows the direction you’re facing.

5. Check the degree reading on the bezel:

   • 0° or 360° = North

   • 90° = East

   • 180° = South

   • 270° = West

Now you know exactly which direction you’re facing!

2. Use the Sun (No Tools Needed)

If you don’t have a compass, the sun can help:

• Morning: The sun rises in the east.

• Noon: It’s generally south in the Northern Hemisphere.

• Evening: The sun sets in the west.

🌤 Stand with the sun rising on your left — you’re facing north.

3. Use a Smartphone Compass App

Most smartphones have built-in compass apps that use your phone’s sensors to show direction. Just:

• Open the compass app.

• Hold the phone flat.

• Read the direction displayed at the top.

4. Use Landmarks (If You Know Their Location)

If you know the layout of an area (e.g., a river runs north to south, or a mountain is east of you), you can use those features to figure out which direction you’re facing.

Final Tip

If you have no tools and no sun, try to move in one direction and mark your path, so you can trace your steps back. Learning basic navigation skills, even without gadgets, can keep you oriented wherever you are.

Modern smartphones come with built-in compass apps that make it easy to figure out which direction you’re facing — no special tools required. Whether you’re hiking, driving, or exploring a new place, here’s how to use your phone’s compass correctly.

1. Open the Compass App

• On iPhones: The compass app is usually pre-installed. Just search for “Compass” in Spotlight or your home screen.

• On Android: Some phones come with a compass app. If not, you can download one from the Google Play Store (e.g., “Smart Compass” or “Digital Compass”).

2. Calibrate the Compass (If Needed)

Sometimes the app will ask you to calibrate the compass before using it.

• Follow the on-screen instructions. This usually involves moving your phone in a figure-eight motion to help the sensors reset.

• Do it slowly and smoothly.

3. Hold Your Phone Flat

• Place your phone parallel to the ground, like you’re holding a book.

• Make sure there are no metal objects or electronics near it, as they can affect accuracy.

4. Read the Display

• The compass app will show a direction in degrees (e.g., 45°) and a cardinal point (e.g., NE for northeast).

• As you rotate your body, the compass needle or dial will move to show which direction you’re facing.

Example:
If the compass reads 180° S, you’re facing directly south.

Bonus Features in Some Compass Apps

Depending on the app, you may also see:

• Current location (latitude/longitude)

• Altitude

• Map view with direction overlay

• Speed (if you’re moving)

Pro Tip: Stay Accurate

• Stay away from magnetic or electronic interference (e.g., large speakers, microwaves).

• Keep your phone level and still when reading the compass.

Final Thoughts

Reading a compass on your phone is easy and fast. Just open the app, let it calibrate if needed, hold your phone flat, and read the direction. It’s a great tool to help you navigate cities, trails, or anywhere you need to stay oriented.

Remembering the four main directions — North, East, South, and West — is simple when you use a fun trick or rhyme. These are often taught to beginners, hikers, and kids learning about maps and navigation.

1. Use a Catchy Phrase (Mnemonic)

One of the easiest ways is by remembering a sentence where the first letter of each word matches a compass direction in clockwise order:

Clockwise from North → East → South → West

Popular Phrases:

• “Never Eat Soggy Waffles”

• “Never Eat Slimy Worms”

• “Naughty Elephants Spray Water”

• “Not Every Sailor Wins”

✨ Each word helps you recall the order:
North, East, South, West

2. Visualize a Compass Rose

Picture a cross or a clock:

• Top = North (N)

• Right = East (E)

• Bottom = South (S)

• Left = West (W)

Think of it like a plus sign (+) or the layout of your phone’s compass.

3. Remember the Word “NEWS”

The word “NEWS” is made up of the initials of the four cardinal points:

• North

• East

• West

• South

Although it’s not in perfect compass order, it’s a fun reminder of the four directions.

4. Teach with Hand Tricks (For Kids)

If you’re teaching kids:

• Hold up both hands and make an “L” shape.

• The left hand forms a correct “L” — that side is West.

• The right side is East.

Final Tip

Once you learn the four cardinal points, you can easily pick up the intermediate directions:

• NE (Northeast), SE (Southeast), SW (Southwest), NW (Northwest)

In Summary:

Use a fun phrase like “Never Eat Soggy Waffles”, picture the compass as a clock, or use hand tricks to remember which way is which — it’s all about repetition and imagination!

Using a compass confidently comes with practice and a few simple memory tricks. Here’s how to make remembering your compass skills easier:

1. Learn the Key Parts and Their Roles

Focus on remembering these main compass parts:

• Magnetic Needle — always points to magnetic north (usually red).

• Direction-of-Travel Arrow — shows where you want to go.

• Rotating Bezel (Dial) — helps you set and read bearings.

• Orienting Arrow — inside the bezel, used to align with the needle.

2. Use a Simple Mnemonic for Directions

Remember the main compass directions with an easy phrase like:

“Never Eat Soggy Waffles” = North, East, South, West

3. Practice “Putting Red in the Shed”

This phrase means aligning the red needle inside the orienting arrow (the shed). Repeating this while practicing will help it stick.

4. Visualize Holding the Compass

Imagine or practice holding your compass flat in your palm with the direction-of-travel arrow pointing straight ahead. This mental picture helps make using the compass second nature.

5. Practice Triangulation Regularly

If you practice taking bearings from landmarks and plotting them, this builds your skill and confidence — making it easier to remember how to navigate.

6. Repetition Through Real Use

Nothing beats hands-on practice. Use your compass on hikes, walks, or even just around your neighborhood. The more you use it, the easier it becomes to remember.

Bonus Tip:

Keep a small compass cheat sheet or diagram in your backpack or phone notes to glance at until you feel confident.

Final Thought

Remembering how to use a compass is all about breaking it down into simple parts, using easy-to-remember tricks, and practicing regularly. Soon, using a compass will become second nature!

The 32 compass points divide the circle into 11.25° increments and expand the four main directions for precise navigation:

• Cardinal Points (4): North (N), East (E), South (S), West (W)

• Intercardinal Points (4): Northeast (NE), Southeast (SE), Southwest (SW), Northwest (NW)

• Secondary Intercardinal Points (24): These include directions like North-Northeast (NNE), East-Northeast (ENE), East-Southeast (ESE), South-Southeast (SSE), and so on.

Each point is named based on its position relative to the main four, giving detailed bearings useful in navigation and sailing.

East is to your right when you are facing north. If you stand facing north:

• Right hand points east

• Left hand points west

This is a fundamental rule for understanding cardinal directions.

Colors are often assigned to the four directions in various cultures and maps, but a common modern convention is:

• North: Red (often the compass needle’s red tip)

• East: Yellow or Orange

• South: Green

• West: Blue

These colors can vary depending on cultural or traditional contexts, but red for north is the most globally recognized.

The compass was invented by the Chinese during the Han Dynasty, around the 2nd century BCE. Initially, it was made from lodestone (a naturally magnetized mineral) and used for divination and geomancy. By the 11th century, the Chinese adapted the compass for navigation, which later spread to the Arab world and Europe, revolutionizing sea travel.

Many modern compasses contain a clear liquid, usually mineral oil or alcohol, inside the housing. This fluid serves several purposes:

• Dampens needle movement so it doesn’t swing wildly.

• Reduces friction allowing smoother, quicker needle settling.

• Protects internal parts from damage and moisture.

While Muslims did not invent the compass, they played a significant role in improving and spreading compass technology. Muslim scholars and sailors in the medieval Islamic world adopted the Chinese compass and enhanced its use for navigation and astronomy. They helped transmit compass knowledge to Europe during the Middle Ages.

Studying a compass involves:

• Learning its parts: Needle, bezel, orienting arrow, direction-of-travel arrow.

• Practicing basic skills: Holding it flat, reading bearings, aligning the needle.

• Understanding directions and degrees: Know cardinal points and how bearings are measured.

• Applying in the field: Use it during walks or hikes, practice taking bearings on landmarks.

• Using resources: Read books, watch tutorials, and use smartphone apps for practice.

• Regular practice: Navigation is a skill honed by repeated use.

• Hold the compass flat in your palm.

• Point the direction-of-travel arrow where you want to go.

• Turn the compass housing (bezel) so the orienting arrow lines up with the magnetic needle (red part).

• Read the bearing at the index line (where the bezel meets the baseplate).

• Turn your body until the magnetic needle aligns with the orienting arrow.

• Walk in the direction the direction-of-travel arrow points, periodically checking the needle to stay on course.

“Compass” isn’t actually an acronym, so it doesn’t have a “full form.” The word “compass” comes from the Latin compassare, meaning “to measure” or “to pace out.” It evolved to describe the device used for determining direction.