Step 5 of 10 · Read a Trail Map and Not Get Lost
Orient the map to north
Orient the map to north — step 5 of 10 in Read a Trail Map and Not Get Lost. Lay the map flat on the ground or hold it level. Place the compass on the map with the baseplate edge along a north–south grid line (the…
Free outdoor skills tip: Orient the map to north (step 5 of 10 from "Read a Trail Map and Not Get Lost").
Lay the map flat on the ground or hold it level. Place the compass on the map with the baseplate edge along a north–south grid line (the vertical lines on most topo maps). Rotate the map and compass together until the red needle aligns with the orienting arrow inside the bezel and the grid lines.
Now every feature on the map matches the real world direction. The trail going right on the map goes right in front of you. A ridge shown to your north-west on the map should be visible to your north-west. If it is not, you rotated wrong — try again.
Pro tip: Declination: if your area has significant magnetic declination (>3°), adjust the bezel or add/subtract degrees. The map margin usually states the local declination.
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