Parts of a Compass

If you’re an avid paddler, camper, or outdoors enthusiast, you know that a compass is an essential tool for navigation. But have you ever stopped to think about the different parts that make up a handheld compass? Knowing the parts of a compass helps you understand your primary tool for navigation.

A compass typically consists of the following parts:

• Compass housing: This is the liquid-filled casing that holds the compass needle.
• Compass needle: This is the part of the compass that points to magnetic north. It is usually made of ferromagnetic material, such as iron, and is suspended on a pivot point so that it can rotate freely.
• Compass bezel or dial: This is the outer ring of the compass dial that can be rotated to set a specific bearing or direction. It is often marked with degrees to allow for precise navigation.
• Direction of travel arrow: An arrow on the base that indicates the direction to travel based on a bearing.
• Orienting Arrow: An arrow that when aligned with the compass needle, aligns the direction of travel arrow with the bearing.
• Magnetic declination adjustment: Some compasses have a mechanism that allows the user to adjust for the difference between magnetic north and true north.
• Compass scales: One or more scales marked on the base or bezel that can be used for measuring distance or plotting a course. These may include scales in units of distance, such as inches, centimeters, or millimeters, or scales in units of angle, such as degrees or mils.
• Compass clinometer: Some compasses have a built-in inclinometer that can be used to measure the angle of slope or inclination. This can be useful for determining the steepness of a hill or the angle of a slope.
• Compass magnifier: Some compasses have a magnifying lens built into the housing lid or base to make it easier to read the compass dial or map.

Some compasses may also have additional features, such as luminous markings, a rotating bezel lock, or a bubble level. Other compasses may have built-in clinometers, thermometers, barometers, or altimeters to provide additional information about the user’s environment.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced navigator, understanding the different parts of a compass is key to using it effectively. So the next time you pull out your compass, take a moment to familiarize yourself with its various components and how they work together to help you find your way.

To learn more about navigation, check out the navigation articles. These formed the basis for my navigation column that appeared in Ocean Paddler Magazine.