Using a Thumb Compass.

Know your sport: This type of compass was developed to allow the
Baseplate Compass compass to be used in conjunction with the map. It is a
Compasses single process where the compass is kept on the map
allowing the orienteer to stay focussed on the most
important part of orienteering — the map!
Although the two main requirements for an
orienteering event are an area and a map, Although thumb compasses may have a rotating
nearly everyone carries a compass and housing with lines visible through the base, these are
considers this their most important aid to not necessary when used directly in conjunction with
navigation. the map. The key requirement is that when the leading
edge of the compass base is aligned with the direction
Thumb Compass So here are some thoughts on compasses ... of travel, the compass needle is kept parallel with the
magnetic North lines marked on the map.
Beginners often think that it is essential to use a compass to orienteer.
The main benefit of this technique is that there is no
Wrong! It is essential to use the map and the compass is an aid to help you
need to remove the compass from the map — the map is always aligned so that directly in
ensure that you are going in the right direction. Keeping in contact with the
front of you is where you want to go. As you focus on the map you keep checking that the
map (knowing where you are and identifying the features as you pass them)
needle is parallel with the magnetic North lines.
is important. The compass enables you to be confident that you are following
the right path or heading in the correct direction across a block of forest or
moorland. It is an aid to let you confidently tackle more technically difficult Some personal thoughts
courses. Having started orienteering about 40 years ago, I had only ever used a baseplate compass.
There are two main types of compass used in orienteering—the ‘baseplate’ However last Christmas I was given a thumb compass from one of my daughters.
compass and the ‘thumb’ compass.. Examples of each are shown above. I took it to the first event after Christmas and sat in the car trying to work out how to use it. All
Both types come in various variations and models. I knew was that it was fixed onto the thumb! I realised that I needed to prepare a bit first!
Using a Baseplate Compass. Before the next event I browsed the internet, read some instructions and checked some
postings on ‘Nopesport’. I was therefore more confident and took the plunge. I found it
The usual technique is shown below. The map will provide an indication as to the remarkable how well the compass complemented the map and encouraged me to take the
direction of magnetic North. On orienteering maps, this will be shown by regular lines direct route more frequently. I quickly gained confidence in using it! I have now used it at
placed at convenient spacings cross the whole map. several more events and I am totally converted. The focus on the map and staying in contact
If you know the direction you wish to go then you need to set the compass so that the with it is the main bonus. The main disadvantage is that, as the map is held so it fits under the
angle between magnetic North and the direction you wish to go is transferred to the compass, I am tending to fold it smaller. This means that when there is a long leg it is hard to
compass. This is done by placing the compass on the map so that the baseplate is see all the route choice options.
pointing in the direction you wish to go. Then the compass housing is twisted so that the Finally I found at the first event, a frosty morning, my thumb got very cold. I have now
arrow on the base of the housing (or parallel lines on many compasses) and the magnetic loosened the elastic but added an elastic ‘safety’ loop to secure it to my wrist to reduce the
North lines are parallel. When the compass is then removed from the map and held in the chance of loosing it if I fall.
hand, if the compass needle is lined up with the arrow on the base of the housing, the
baseplate will point in the direction you need to go.
The 180° Error
This is therefore a two stage process but can give a very accurate bearing when crossing The descriptions given have missed out one key point. The red end (usually) of
a featureless area (or a very complex one). Of course you don’t need to always set the the compass needle points North. The magnetic North lines run North-South and
bearing. Just using the so although you twist the compass housing so that the lines on the base are
compass needle to ensure parallel with the magnetic north lines, actually you need to know which way on the map is north
that you know which way is and which is north for the compass (usually marked with an arrow on the base of the compass
North allows you to run on a housing). Then, when removing the compass from the map, you face in the direction that
rough bearing towards a places the red end of the compass over the arrow on the base of the compass. And then you
distant feature. Also are ready to head in the direction the baseplate now points.
checking that you are on
the right path can often be Of course, this all adds to the time so frequently orienteers will ignore checking the correct N-S
done with a quick look at direction and hope that they already know roughly which direction they need to go. In many
the compass and the map. cases they will be right but, if not, then they will head off in the wrong direction, NE instead of
SW for example. This is the 180° error and can happen to anyone — even the best!