Components of the base plate compass (most common)

• Base plate: Plexiglas rectangle use for measuring distance and direction of travel.
• Housing: Mounted circle that can be rotated.
• Direction-of-travel arrow: Arrow printed on the base plate that shows the direction of intended travel.
• North arrow line: drawn on the bottom of compass housing.
• Magnetic needle: Arrow that points to magnetic north.

Other navigational tools

• Maps: For orienteering maps need to have great detail and large scale. 1:10,000 or 1:15,000 is best.
• Global positioning system (GPS): Commonly used device that measure exact location (Usually within 15 feet) on an electronic map. Various types of map software can be used in the device such as topography, roads & recreation, marine, and city maps. Also reads accurate elevation.

Setting up a course

• Punch cards and punches: standard method of verifying arrival at a control. A special punch is used to represent the checkpoint. Other methods include electronic verification, or a unique item or number that participants obtain for each control point.
• Control: Area set up as a “check point” for the participants. Each control should be numbered in the order they must be obtained. There should be a description of the control including the location.
• Use 6-15 markers or controls for the course. Circle these on the maps with straight lines between controls.
• Ensure safety by establishing a time limit, designating a safety bearing in case participants get disoriented, everyone should carry a whistle, and check area of safety concerns like cliffs.
• Fair play involves not distracting opponents, not communicating with opponents, and keeping controls visible.

Navigating with a compass

1. Map orienting: Keep the map facing north at all times. Orient the map by placing the compass on the map near the north line and turning both until the magnetic needle faces the same direction as north.
2. Establishing a direction: Place the long side edge of the housing along the intended path. Then turn the housing so the north arrow faces north. Then rotate the map and compass at the same time until the magnetic needle faces the direction of the north arrow.
3. Running the bearing: After establishing the direction, place the direction of travel arrow in the direction you would like to travel. Sight down the arrow and slowly lift your head to pick out a landmark in the distance in which to travel toward. After arriving at the landmark, repeat the action until you reach the destination.
4. Aiming off is a technique used to arrive at a road or trail purposefully to one side of the control in order to ensure only traveling in one direction to find the marker.

Activity: Set up an orienteering course with approximately 5-7 controls. Each control will have a coded number that the group must obtain. Issue a map and a compass to each team. Start them all at the same time with the group to complete the course in the fastest time wins, provided they have all of the control numbers.