How To: Identify the parts of a compass

The parts of the compass are a base plate with different measurements for calculating mileage and distance. The magnifying glass is used to magnify things on your map. The arrow at the top of the compass is called the direction of travel arrow. To find the degrees on your compass, use the rotating bezel ring, with North being "0", East being "90", South being "180", and west being "270". The magnetic needle inside has a red magnetic north end, which is used to locate "North", and the black end will always point "South". The key part in using your compass is trusting it, and having a good idea of where you started.