| What it is | Direction in degrees from north |
| Range | 0–360°, clockwise |
| Taken with | Map and compass |
| Watch for | Declination (true vs magnetic) |
A bearing is a direction expressed as an angle in degrees clockwise from north (0–360°), used to navigate from one point to another. You can take a bearing off a map and follow it with a compass, or sight a bearing to a landmark in the field — the core skill of map-and-compass navigation.
Getting it right
Take it with a baseplate compass on a topographic map, and adjust for declination between true and magnetic north.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bearing?
A bearing is a direction measured as an angle in degrees clockwise from north, from 0° (north) through 90° (east), 180° (south), and 270° (west). It precisely describes which way to travel or in which direction a landmark lies, and is the basis of compass navigation.
How do you take a bearing?
To take a bearing from a map, line the compass edge from your location to your destination, rotate the bezel until its lines match the map's north–south grid, then read the bearing — adjusting for declination — and turn until the magnetic needle is boxed to follow it. To take one in the field, point the compass at a landmark and rotate the bezel until the needle is boxed.
What's the difference between a bearing and an azimuth?
In everyday backcountry navigation they're used interchangeably to mean a direction in degrees from north (0–360°). 'Azimuth' is the more technical term, while 'bearing' can also refer to a quadrant-based system (e.g., N30°E) in surveying. For hikers, both mean the compass direction to travel.
Sources
- Using map and compass — The Mountaineers
- Wilderness navigation — American Hiking Society