What’s the process for setting a bearing accurately?

Orienting the Compass

To set a bearing, first make sure your compass is level and not touching any metal objects, which can interfere with the magnetic needle. Hold the compass in your dominant hand, with the direction-of-travel arrow pointing towards you. Rotate the compass until the magnetic needle is centered between the orienting arrow and the direction-of-travel arrow.

Aligning the Compass with the Bearing

Once the magnetic needle is centered, rotate the compass dial until the direction-of-travel arrow points towards the desired course. Use a clear reference point, such as a landmark or a specific direction (e.g. north), to align the arrow. The direction-of-travel arrow should now point directly at the bearing.

Confirming the Bearing

To confirm the bearing, take a moment to double-check that the direction-of-travel arrow is aligned with the desired course. You can also use the “shadow stick” method to verify the bearing by shining a light through the direction-of-travel arrow and observing the resulting shadow on the ground. This method helps to ensure that the bearing is accurate and not influenced by any magnetic interference.