How to Measure Distance With A Compass

Here is a quick video to show you how to measure how far away a landmark is using only a compass. I also show you how to measure the height of something using the same method (only if you have a Brunton style compass).

The compass I am using isn't a name brand Brunton but a similar build that I found on Amazon for a quarter of the price. This is easily the handiest tool I have in my bag (Get it?)

If you want to learn other neat surveying tricks and follow along with my field notes, be sure to hit subscribe. Feel free to comment below and let me know what kind of videos you'd like to see in the future.

[geoffreycarter]

I could never grasp ' tangents' at school. After your video it is becoming clearer, and with a bit of practice I should be able to finally grasp it. Thankyou.

[robdavidson]

Just found your Channel and subscribed. It's been many years since I've had to use a compass for my job. I realize there is much I did not know back in the old days. Thanks.

[محمدالعلياني-يح]

Amazing man! Finally catch math with compass.
Good idea❤❤

[stephenabbott]

Same method for angles less than about 11 degrees without needing trig functions is the following: establish the base (in this case, 10 ft, but you could use any base); take the angle; now, divide 57 by the angle and then multiply by the base. This works because the tangent of small angles of 11 degrees or less is approximately 57 divided by the degrees of the angle. Distance = base x 57/angle. You could even use 60 instead of 57 for simpler math since there is likely some error in the compass bearings taken.

[depressedfox]

how did i not think of so much math in my lifetime but..never crossed my mind

[HeyItsDonte]

“How to measure distance with a compass” *pulls out tape measure* 😂

[mariacristinamagtibay]

That is just amazing how this was implemented to a game it's the same process of getting the angle subtracting 90° but it's 4.5 meters then using the compass again getting the angle getting the difference of the two angles and use the number and a graph to see how far away that object is
Of course the game I'm talking about is Minecraft.


Trigonometry one of the things I wanna keep experimenting with to create stuff that may or may not help

[ericmolitor]

If I remember this correctly... If you start from your first point then walk perpendicular 90° until your target is at 45° from your current point to your first point, then measure (yes by knowing your pace count lol) distance from point 1 to point 2, you will have a very good idea of your target distance as it should be almost exactly the same as point 1 to point 2. My watch doesn't have a calculator. And I'm not one to rely on my phone to always be operational. I love these kinds of tricks with a compass.

Awesome stuff with the height. I'm going to play with that tomorrow for sure!

Also, you're an awesome friend for using your friends music. And anyone who doesn't like it just doesn't need to say anything about it. That's called an opinion. And others may like it. Regardless... great video man.

[TheMangeGrain]

The background "music" is terrible, but the method is sound. Thanks for sharing that.

[kwcactus]

Excellent video...thankyou... I have a brunton 7....good tool, in addition, I have a brunton style pocket to get my head around east west being opposite....might make a good topic....thankyou

[theeddorian]

The height you add is the height of your eyes above the ground, rather than your height.

[TimKaseyMythHealer]

I'm trying to do this with objects at from 1.5 to 2 miles, and then calculating the GPS offset point.
My method involves the use of a laser measuring device that has a maximum of 400 feet. I turn an angle 90 degrees (just as you have done) but also add an angle 180 degrees opposite the first. The distance of the perpendicular line must be no less than 1, 000 to 2, 000 feet. This allows me to turn an angle of no less than 5 degrees. The angles are turned from the ends of this 1, 000 to 2, 000 foot line. The larger the angle (5 degrees in my case) the more accurate the calculated distance. Once I determine the distance (1.5 to 2 miles) I can then use this to determine GPS offset point. Friggin' need to write a data collection program app that does all the math. I plan to use a satellite locating compass to achieve .1 and even .05 minute accuracy for my math calculations. The true north will be pre set on a map, between two observable points, and the compas calibrated to this line, in the field, at the mountain. I need to calibrate the compas in the field, at the Glacier due to the mountain influence pulling the needle in the direction of the mountain peak. End result, highly accurate GPS offsets for search and rescue crews to recover remains with GPS drone way points. Much math, and the need for a smart phone app to crunch all the numbers. I call it 3D GPS triangulation. This is the process I plan on using after I've spotted something with the Nikon P1000, or the Leopold 60x spotting scope. Long range 60 to 500x magnification photography/video to find these remains sites only after the snow has melted off the glaciers 100%. Very difficult work.

[XwaYdesu]

What kind of notebook was that orange one in the video? After scrounging the internet, I think it might be an Elan or Aditpro field book. But, I don't know exactly which one. It would be nice to know because of the line spacing and conversion tables.

[dommiedarko]

Love the info and the music, what is the song called?

[kylekinder]

Great video! Where did you get that orange notebook at with the list of Tangents

[JethroFord]

Or if you anyway carry a measure tape with you you can simply measure the distance. right?

[crystalcars]

Hi dude.
Love this video.
I’ve tried finding more examples on using this method in real world situations but none can be found.
I am struggling to find out the full mathematical equation of how you would write it down and enter it into a calculator. Would you consider doing a more simplified detailed video of this please?
I’m UK 🇬🇧 and our maps work in Km at 1:25000 (I think).
I hope this isn’t a stupid question but being a numpty with learning disabilities due to my Autism I am struggling with grasping the information.
Thanks.

[johnral]

Was your calculation correct? Did you measure the distance or height after?

[hughcampbell]

Great video! You can leave the measuring tape at home, try measuring it in your strides.

[yqisq]

Very neat but could be even better by including an estimate for the error.