Taking and Following a Bearing: Step-by-Step

Taking a Field Bearing (Baseplate Compass)

A field bearing is taken directly to a visible target in the real world.

Taking a Map Bearing

When your target isn't visible but you know where it is on the map, you take the bearing from the map and transfer it to the compass.

Following a Bearing

The mechanics of holding a bearing in the field:

The interim target method: Standing at your start point with the bearing set, look along the direction-of-travel arrow. Identify the furthest object you can see that lies along that line — a specific tree, an unusual rock, a break in the vegetation. That's your interim target.

Put the compass away. Walk to the interim target. At the interim target, take the compass out again, check that the bearing is still set, re-orient, identify the next interim target. Repeat.

This is the critical technique. The mistake is trying to walk while watching the compass. You'll trip, drift off course, and never actually look at the terrain. The interim target method lets you move efficiently while still maintaining directional integrity.

Obstacle correction: When an obstacle blocks your direct path (a pond, cliff, dense thicket), use one of two methods:

• Offset method: Turn 90 degrees and walk until you clear the obstacle, counting your paces. Then resume original bearing. After clearing, turn 90 degrees back toward your original bearing and walk the same number of paces to return to your original bearing line. Then resume.

• Aiming off: For linear features (roads, rivers, fences), aim deliberately to one side of your target. When you hit the linear feature, you'll know which direction to turn to find the target. This eliminates the "which way do I turn?" uncertainty.

Lensatic Compass Technique

The lensatic requires a different hold for taking field bearings:

Compass-to-cheek method:

1. Open the compass fully flat. Fold the thumb loop under the base. Grip the base between thumb and forefinger.
2. Raise the compass to eye level. Align the rear sight notch with the sighting wire.
3. Look through the rear sight and align the sighting wire on the target.
4. Without moving the compass, look down through the lens to read the bearing marked at the index line.

Center-hold method (less precise but faster):

1. Open the compass lid to 90 degrees (perpendicular to the base).
2. Hold the compass at chest level, elbow against your side.
3. Rotate your whole body until the sighting wire aligns with the target's direction.
4. Read the bearing at the index line.

The lensatic is significantly more precise than a baseplate for long-distance bearing shots because the rear-sight/front-sight alignment is essentially a rifle-style sighting system. For distances over 1 km where your target may be a specific hilltop or landmark, the lensatic's precision is an advantage.

Back Bearing

A back bearing (or back azimuth) is the bearing in the opposite direction. Add 180 degrees if your bearing is less than 180; subtract 180 if it's more than 180.

Back bearings are used to verify your position (look back at a known point and confirm it's on the expected bearing) and to retrace your route.

Recording and Communicating Bearings

When communicating bearings verbally, say each digit separately: "bearing zero-nine-five" not "bearing ninety-five." This reduces misunderstanding between numbers like 195 and 95.

Always specify whether a bearing is magnetic or grid. If it's taken from a compass without declination adjustment, it's magnetic. If it's taken from a map, it's grid. Mixing them creates navigational error equal to your local declination.