Video summary. Mr Measure finds a map he made as a boy. The map gives directions using compass points and distances in metres to find the hidden time capsule he buried in the woods 30 years ago.

Using a compass is an essential skill. It’s like having a mental roll of duct tape: You don’t know when you’re going to use it, and it might kick around unused for a long time, but when you ...

Start by taking a bearing as normal using your map, then, holding the compass fixed against your hips, turn your body until the red end of the compass needle points to 10° on the ‘W.decl.’ scale.

Use the appropriate declination to convert the reading on your map to the reading you’ll use on your compass. Set your bezel ring to obtain a quick, reliable reading.

If you see a valley on your left, then the valley shows on the left on the map. You can do this by eye or with your compass. Using Land Features: Lay the map on the ground or hold it horizontally.

Using a map and compass is one of the most reliable foundational skills of the wilderness. GPS units sometimes fail—you owe it to yourself to know how to use a trusty compass.

Map symbols and direction. You can find where you are using an Ordnance Survey (OS) map. Features such as this information centre are identified on the map using symbols.

This is why basic compass and map skills are so important. "Using a map with a compass is a skill that a lot of most people probably don't possess anymore," Bieri said.

Cadets from 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp laced up their boots and grabbed a compass for their land association and map reading courses on July 13.

Following a GPX track is fine but it can feel a bit like being on autopilot. It allows you to switch off from properly ...