Finding directions with a compass takes a lot of practice. But once you get it, it’s something you never forget. Here are a few tips:
1. Hold the compass level so the needle can swing freely. This is true for any model of compass.
2. When you are sighting keep both eyes open. If you squint one eye, the other will close partially too.
3. Make sure you are familiar with the bezel scale. What is the smallest unit you can read? It’s really easy to make incorrect readings.
4. Think of the line going through the compass as your line of travel. Everything lines up on this.
5. Decide when you start work if you will be using true north or magnetic north and stick with it for the whole project.
6. If you are sighting from a marker or range pole, stand back from the pole and line yourself up with the next point. Think of the direction as an extended line.
Can you think of other best practices?