Using a Compass to Find Your Cardinal and Ordinal Directions

This is the most basic way to use a compass. If you’re orienteering, there is a whole other set of ways to use one, but, if you just want to know your basic directions, this will work. 

Set your compass on a relatively flat, level surface (e.g. the ground or in your open, outstretched hand) and orient it so the needle (the “floating arrow” which always points to magnetic north) points to the printed N (north) on your compass dial.

With these aligned, each direction on your compass dial is now correct. Stand over your compass and point to each direction the sun will occupy during your growing season—so northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, and northwest. And take note of a prominent feature in each direction so you’ll remember where they are.

Note: Magnetic north is a little bit off of true north, but it’s close enough for these purposes.