Key takeaways
- A bearing is a direction in degrees (0–360°) measured clockwise from north.
- Take a bearing from a map to know which way to walk, or sight one to a landmark to fix your position.
- Following a bearing means walking the direction the compass indicates, often toward intermediate landmarks.
- Account for declination (true vs magnetic north) or your bearing will be off.
What a bearing is
A bearing is a direction expressed in degrees, from 0 to 360, measured clockwise from north (east is 90°, south 180°, west 270°). It precisely describes which way to travel or the direction to a landmark, and it’s the fundamental unit of compass navigation.
Taking and following a bearing
- From a map: align the compass edge between your position and destination, rotate the bezel to the map’s north lines, and read the bearing.
- By sighting: point the compass at a visible landmark, rotate the bezel until the needle aligns, and read the bearing — useful for fixing your position.
- To follow it: turn your body until the magnetic needle is ‘boxed’ in the orienting arrow, then walk in the direction-of-travel arrow.
In thick forest, a hiker takes a bearing from the map to the next trail junction, sets it on the compass, then walks toward a distinct tree on that bearing, repeating to a new landmark each time — staying on line without being able to see the destination.
Don’t forget declination
Because maps use true north and your compass uses magnetic north, adjust for declination or your bearing will be off. Bearings, the compass, and the topographic map together form the core of navigation.
The bottom line
A bearing is a precise direction in degrees from north, and it's the heart of compass navigation — whether you take one off a map to set your course or sight one to a landmark to find yourself. Just remember to reconcile true and magnetic north via declination, and to follow a bearing by walking toward intermediate landmarks rather than staring at the needle.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bearing in navigation?
A bearing is a direction expressed as an angle in degrees from 0 to 360, measured clockwise from north (so east is 90°, south 180°, west 270°). It precisely describes which way to travel or the direction to a landmark, and is the core unit of compass navigation.
How do you take a bearing?
You can take a bearing two ways. From a map: align your compass's edge between your location and your destination, rotate the bezel to align with the map's north lines, and read the bearing. By sighting: point the compass at a visible landmark and rotate the bezel until the needle aligns, then read the bearing. To follow it, turn until the needle is 'boxed' and walk in the direction of travel arrow.
How does declination affect a bearing?
Maps use true north and compasses use magnetic north, so a bearing taken from a map must be adjusted for the local declination to follow it accurately with your compass (and vice versa). An adjustable-declination compass handles this automatically; otherwise you add or subtract the declination. Ignoring it sends you off course.
Sources
- Compass navigation — The Mountaineers
- Maps & directions — USGS