Compass 101 - How to Use a Baseplate Compass

Have you ever been lost? Even in the city? Every path is unfamiliar... Well have no fear, in the next three minutes you will learn how a compass can save the day.

For more about our parks and programs visit:

Created by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority with funding from the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

Filmed at Vista Hermosa Natural Park in Los Angeles, CA

[tiffanykim]

I have watched several compass reading tutorial, and yours is the most easiest way to understand it. thanks

[foraminiferan]

By far the most direct explanation I have come across after hours of watching these tutorials. Good teaching.

[NaomiBarocsi]

11 years later and you're still helping people find out how exactly to use a compass. Because of the other videos i never thought it would've actually been this easy to understand but thanks to your clear and straight-to-the-point explanation i fully understand now. Thank you so much.

[georginaadams]

Best 3 minute tutorial on basic use of a compass! Thanks again!

[triptonmiller]

Being new to Compass World, I have watched too many to count videos. Most used technical terms which went in one ear and out the other. Finally! Someone who gets it for the beginner. Thank you. Love the little storybook like identifiers.

[creationexplorationclub]

By far the best tutorial for teaching kids how to use a compass. Just the right amount of info presented clearly and concisely. Thank you!

[montanacrosses]

You are my very favorite teacher...thank you...I looked at lots of them...teach me something else!! Great Job!

[wrnchhead]

As others said, I have watched a few, and it just didn't click, this one finally made it all make sense, thank you!

[scoutsbsagirlstroop]

This is by far the best simple compass tutorial video that I have found for sending to our scouts for review!

[CHLOE-oibl]

My teacher sent me here and this is the second video that I’ve watched and this one by far is the best out of the two
So helpful thank you so much

[pambarth]

Most helpful video on how to use a compass we've seen (for complete newbies).

[jimbob]

Oh gosh, I bet you are no longer with the service but THANK YOU! By far the easiest to follow basics I have ever come across.

[KnowLimit-F]

I especially appreciate how brief, yet comprehensive this video is for the lay person--not to mention the mnemonic (red Fred in the shed). 🙌

[rickk]

The best tutorial on the compass-Carolyn, I hope that you are running MRCA by now.

[blackcopperM]

Great job! This video is by far the easiest to understand.

[michaelb]

Wow...I'm glad you broke that down and made it simple. I was lost on some of the other videos. Thanks

[MOAB-UT]

Great explanation- easy to follow and clear. Best of all- no music or long intro! Should be titled- how to use a compass in ~3 minutes!

[tpv]

EXCELLENT.
BRILLIANT.
EASY to understand.
Thank you.
Well Done.

[francodisanto]

Been so many years since I needed to use a compass so I just needed a quick refresher. This was perfect. Thank you

[TheMangeGrain]

Nice tutorial, thanks. I noted that this 2013 video was shot using a pristine 1999 Silva compass (see early Silva logo on the baseplate and letter H at the bottom of the capsule). Both my Silva compasses are from 1998 (letter G) and they're also in great condition. Compasses are long lasting and they don't tax smartphone batteries. IMO these are reasons good enough for me to teach map-and-compass navigation to my grand-daughter.