Set up your compass You’re going to have to adjust your compass’ declination because, and we’re sorry to be the bearers of bad news, it doesn’t actually show you the same North as on your map.

Which North to Use So we have two types of north to contend with. When you look at your map, it is drawn in relation to true north;, when you look at your compass, it points to magnetic north. T to ...

Once you have your declination, subtract it from your compass bearing for west and add it for east. If you have trouble remembering that rule, try this mnemonic: Maps Tell Almost Everything ...

Most USGS topo maps, which is the standard we’ll using for most examples in this article are: 1:24,0000. So, one inch on one of these maps represents 24,000 inches in the real world.

Once you have your declination, subtract it from your compass bearing for west and add it for east. If you have trouble remembering that rule, try this mnemonic: Maps Tell Almost Everything.

Align the Compass: Lay your compass on the map with the edge of the compass along your desired route. The direction-of-travel arrow should point in the direction you want to go.

All USGS topo maps are arranged such that north is the top of the map, making orientation simple enough: hold the map flat and line the north indicator on your compass with the one on your map. Where ...

USGS topographic maps, National Geographic/Trails Illustrated maps, AMC trail maps and the like are all oriented with true north at the top of the map. Each also shows a declination diagram in its ...

You will also want to find out what the current magnetic declination is for your state as most topo maps are 10-40 years old and have an outdated declination.