How to read compass red arrow. Usually round or rectangular. Feb 18, 2016 · Baseplate – the plastic base. At the same time, ensure the orienting lines on your compass are buddies with the vertical grid lines on the map. Learning how to use a compass with a map is fun. The compass needle is pointing towards E ast so I must be pointing East, right? No, no, no! To find my direction, I must turn the compass dial until the N orth mark and the "Orienting Arrow" are lined up with the North end of the needle. Understanding the different parts and features of a compass, such as the magnetic needle and orienting arrow, is crucial for accurate navigation. Compass lines – on the bottom of the baseplate (also called ‘orienting lines’. Jan 23, 2026 · Want to learn how to read a compass? Our wilderness expert's guide will teach the parts of a compass, and how to use this valuable tool. Twist your compass dial so that the orienting arrow lines up with the red end of the magnetic needle. . wzg qkvsf bue qkz ebnjh ggntnh cqm cfxlg idaov djuzf