How to Take a Bearing

by Christopher O'Keeffe June 04, 2026

How to Take a Bearing

Map-and-compass navigation explained clearly — using the kind of SILVA baseplate compasses trusted by bushwalkers, outdoor educators, expedition leaders and field professionals.

There is a moment in every proper navigation course when the compass stops being a simple object and becomes a tool.

• You place it on the map.
• You rotate the bezel.
• You line up the orienting lines.
• You lift the compass, turn your body, and suddenly the direction you need to travel is no longer a guess.
• It is a bearing.

Learning how to take a bearing is one of the most important outdoor navigation skills you can develop. Whether you are bushwalking, hiking, orienteering, leading a school group, working in the field, or travelling through remote country, a compass bearing allows you to move with purpose rather than simply hoping the track continues in the right direction.

At Mapworld, our compass collection focuses strongly on SILVA compasses, a brand long trusted by hikers, orienteers, military personnel and outdoor educators for precise, reliable outdoor navigation. The Mapworld SILVA compass range includes entry-level baseplate compasses such as the SILVA Field Compass, more advanced models such as the SILVA Ranger and SILVA Expedition, and professional models such as the SILVA 3E and Expedition 4 6400/360 for demanding navigation work.

This guide explains what a bearing is, why it matters, and how to take one using a topographic map and a baseplate compass.

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What Is a Bearing?

A bearing is a direction measured in degrees.

A full circle contains 360 degrees.

On a compass:

• North is 0° or 360°

• East is 90°

• South is 180°

• West is 270°

So, if someone says “walk on a bearing of 90 degrees,” they mean travel due east.

If they say “take a bearing of 230 degrees,” they mean travel southwest.

A bearing allows you to follow a precise direction instead of relying on vague instructions such as “head that way” or “keep left of the ridge”.

In real navigation, bearings are used to:

• Travel from one point to another

• Confirm direction of travel

• Identify visible features

• Relocate your position

• Navigate off-track

• Move in poor visibility

• Cross open or featureless terrain

• Maintain direction through scrub, forest or low cloud

A bearing is not a magic line that guarantees safety.

It is a navigation tool.

Used with a proper topographic map, terrain awareness, route planning and common sense, it becomes extremely powerful.

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What You Need to Take a Bearing

To take a bearing properly, you need three things:

1. A suitable compass

2. A topographic map

3. A clear understanding of where you are and where you want to go

For map-based navigation, a baseplate compass is usually the best choice.

SILVA baseplate compasses are designed to work directly with topographic maps. Mapworld’s product pages describe models such as the SILVA Field Compass and SILVA Expedition Compass as suitable for outdoor navigation including orienteering, hiking and bushwalking, with baseplate designs made to work with topographic maps for taking accurate bearings in the field.

A good navigation compass usually includes:

• Transparent baseplate

• Direction-of-travel arrow

• Rotating bezel

• Orienting arrow

• Orienting lines

• Magnetic needle

• Map scales

• Ruler edge

• Lanyard

More advanced models may also include:

• Declination adjustment

• Sighting mirror

• Clinometer or slope card

• Romer scales

• Luminous markings

• Dual degree / mil scales

The more serious the navigation, the more useful these features become.

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Why SILVA Baseplate Compasses Are So Useful

SILVA is one of the best-known names in compass navigation.

The strength of a SILVA baseplate compass lies in its simplicity.

It lets you place the compass directly on the map, align it with grid lines, set a bearing, and then carry that bearing into the landscape.

Mapworld’s compass collection describes SILVA compasses as durable, easy-to-use instruments for backcountry adventures, professional fieldwork and navigation training.

SILVA Field Compass

The SILVA Field Compass is a strong choice for beginners, bushwalkers and students. Mapworld describes it as built with simplicity, clarity and rugged usability in mind, offering what is needed for accurate map navigation in the Southern Hemisphere.

Best for:

• Beginners

• Bushwalkers

• School navigation

• Scouts and cadets

• General map-and-compass use

SILVA Ranger Compass

The SILVA Ranger is a step up for those who want more serious field use. Mapworld’s Ranger compass set listing highlights features such as updated graphics, luminous markings and scale lanyards, making them useful for bushcraft navigation and classroom learning.

Best for:

• Regular bushwalkers

• Outdoor educators

• Group navigation

• More confident map users

SILVA Expedition Compass

The SILVA Expedition Compass is built for demanding terrain and advanced navigation. Mapworld describes the latest Expedition model as combining traditional baseplate reliability with modern refinements such as updated graphics, an integrated slope card and a dual-scale measuring lanyard.

Best for:

• Experienced bushwalkers

• Expedition users

• Outdoor professionals

• Navigation instructors

SILVA 3E and Expedition 4

For professional or advanced users, models such as the SILVA 3E and Expedition 4 6400/360 offer features such as dual degree/mils graduations, romer scales, long expedition baseplates and declination adjustment. Mapworld describes the SILVA 3E as a professional-grade baseplate compass for maximum accuracy, flexibility and reliability, and the Expedition 4 as a full-sized baseplate compass for experienced navigators with graduations in mils and degrees.

Best for:

• Search and rescue

• Military-style navigation

• Advanced fieldwork

• Remote-area expeditions

• Professional navigation

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The Main Parts of a Baseplate Compass

Before taking a bearing, it helps to understand the main parts of the compass.

Baseplate

The clear plastic plate that sits on the map.

Because it is transparent, you can see map detail underneath.

Direction-of-Travel Arrow

The arrow printed on the baseplate showing the direction you will walk.

This is not the magnetic needle.

It is the arrow you point toward your destination.

Magnetic Needle

The red needle that points toward magnetic north.

This is the moving part of the compass.

Rotating Bezel

The circular dial marked in degrees.

This is what you turn to set your bearing.

Orienting Arrow

The arrow inside the rotating bezel.

This is the arrow you “put the red needle into” when following a bearing.

Orienting Lines

Parallel lines inside the bezel.

These are aligned with the north-south grid lines on the map when taking a bearing.

Once you understand these parts, the process becomes much less mysterious.

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How to Take a Bearing from a Map

This is the classic map-to-ground bearing.

You know where you are on the map.

You know where you want to go.

You want the compass to tell you the direction to walk.

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Step 1: Identify Your Starting Point

Find your current position on the map.

This might be:

• A track junction

• A campsite

• A creek crossing

• A summit

• A hut

• A road bend

• A grid reference

• A known landmark

Accuracy matters.

If your starting point is wrong, the bearing will also be wrong.

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Step 2: Identify Your Destination

Find the point you want to travel to.

This could be:

• A saddle

• A peak

• A track junction

• A creek

• A campsite

• A vehicle

• A road

• A control point

• A visible landmark

For beginners, choose obvious destinations.

Do not start by trying to navigate to something tiny in dense terrain.

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Step 3: Place the Compass on the Map

Place the long edge of the compass baseplate between your starting point and destination.

The direction-of-travel arrow must point from where you are to where you want to go.

This is a common beginner mistake.

If the compass is reversed, your bearing will be 180 degrees wrong.

Remember:

Baseplate arrow points toward the destination.

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Step 4: Rotate the Bezel

Keep the compass baseplate still on the map.

Now rotate the bezel until the orienting lines inside the bezel line up with the map’s north-south grid lines.

The orienting arrow should point toward north on the map.

This step transfers the map direction into the compass.

Do not move the baseplate while rotating the bezel.

Only the bezel should turn.

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Step 5: Read the Bearing

Once the bezel is aligned with map north, read the number at the index line where the direction-of-travel arrow meets the bezel.

That number is your bearing.

For example, it might be:

• 045°

• 120°

• 276°

• 315°

This is the direction you need to follow.

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Step 6: Adjust for Magnetic Declination

This step is important.

Your map is usually aligned to grid north or true north.

Your compass needle points to magnetic north.

The difference is called magnetic declination.

Some compasses, including advanced models such as the SILVA 3E, include declination adjustment features. Mapworld describes the SILVA 3E as including declination adjustment, dual degrees/mils and romer scales for advanced navigation work.

If your compass does not have adjustable declination, you need to apply the correction manually according to the information printed on your topographic map.

Always check the map’s declination diagram.

Declination varies by location and changes over time.

For serious navigation, do not guess.

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Step 7: Hold the Compass Correctly

Take the compass off the map.

Hold it flat in front of your body.

Keep it level so the needle can move freely.

Turn your whole body, not just your hands, until the red magnetic needle sits inside the orienting arrow.

This is often described as:

Put red in the shed.

When the needle is aligned, the direction-of-travel arrow points where you need to go.

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Step 8: Choose a Landmark on the Bearing

Do not walk staring at the compass.

Instead, look along the direction-of-travel arrow and choose a visible landmark directly on your bearing.

This could be:

• A tree

• A rock

• A hill

• A gap in the vegetation

• A fence post

• A creek bend

• A distant ridge

Walk to that landmark.

Then repeat the process.

This is much more accurate than trying to hold the compass in front of you for the entire journey.

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How to Take a Bearing from the Ground to the Map

Sometimes you see a feature in the landscape and want to identify it on the map.

This is called taking a bearing to an object.

It is useful for:

• Identifying peaks

• Confirming direction

• Relocating your position

• Triangulation

• Checking whether you are where you think you are

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Step 1: Point the Direction-of-Travel Arrow at the Feature

Hold the compass flat.

Point the direction-of-travel arrow directly at the visible feature.

Keep the compass steady.

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Step 2: Rotate the Bezel

Turn the bezel until the orienting arrow lines up with the red magnetic needle.

Again, “put red in the shed”.

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Step 3: Read the Bearing

Read the bearing at the index line.

That is the magnetic bearing from your location to the feature.

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Step 4: Convert if Needed

If plotting that bearing onto the map, you may need to adjust for magnetic declination.

Once adjusted, place the compass on the map and draw or visualise the line back from your location.

If you take bearings to two or three known features, you can often estimate your position.

This is called triangulation.

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Common Bearing Mistakes

Even experienced navigators make mistakes when tired, cold, rushed or distracted.

Here are the most common errors.

Holding the Compass Backwards

Always make sure the direction-of-travel arrow points from your starting point toward your destination.

Forgetting Declination

In some areas, ignoring declination can produce meaningful error over distance.

Always check the map margin.

Moving the Compass While Setting the Bezel

When taking a bearing from the map, keep the baseplate still and rotate only the bezel.

Following the Needle Instead of the Direction Arrow

The red needle points north.

You walk in the direction of the direction-of-travel arrow once the needle is aligned.

Walking Too Far Without Checking

A bearing should be checked regularly against the terrain.

Use map features as confirmation points.

Choosing Poor Landmarks

Choose clear, visible landmarks on the bearing.

Avoid vague targets such as “that patch of scrub”.

Navigating Too Fast

Good navigation is calm and deliberate.

Rushing creates errors.

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Using a Bearing in Real Terrain

Taking a bearing in theory is simple.

Following one through real country requires judgment.

Terrain may include:

• Thick scrub

• cliffs

• creeks

• boulders

• steep slopes

• private property

• unsafe ground

• impassable vegetation

A bearing tells you direction.

It does not tell you whether the route is safe.

Always read the map, assess the terrain, and choose sensible routes.

Sometimes the best navigation is not walking directly on the bearing.

It may be better to aim for a larger feature such as a ridge, road, creek or track and then relocate from there.

This is called using handrails, collecting features and attack points.

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What Is an Attack Point?

An attack point is an obvious feature close to your destination.

Instead of trying to navigate directly to a small target, you first navigate to an easier feature nearby.

For example:

• A track junction

• A creek bend

• A saddle

• A ridge end

• A fence corner

• A road crossing

Then you take a short, accurate bearing from that attack point to the final destination.

This technique is especially useful for beginners.

It reduces error.

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What Is Aiming Off?

Aiming off is a technique used when travelling toward a linear feature such as a track, creek, fence or road.

Instead of aiming directly for a point on the feature, you deliberately aim slightly to one side.

Then, when you reach the feature, you know which direction to turn.

For example, if you are heading toward a track junction, you might aim slightly left of the junction. When you hit the track, you turn right.

This prevents uncertainty.

Without aiming off, you may reach the track and not know whether the junction is left or right.

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Why Compass Quality Matters

A bearing is only as good as the tool and the navigator.

Cheap novelty compasses may be fine for casual direction checks, but they are not ideal for serious map work.

For reliable navigation, look for:

• Smooth needle movement

• Clear degree markings

• Transparent baseplate

• Accurate rotating bezel

• Map scales

• Durable construction

• Suitable magnetic zone

• Declination features if needed

This is why SILVA compasses remain popular with bushwalkers and outdoor educators.

They are built for real navigation rather than occasional curiosity.

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Which SILVA Compass Should You Choose?

For Beginners: SILVA Field Compass

The SILVA Field Compass is a strong starting point for learning how to take bearings with a topographic map. It is simple, clear and designed for hiking, bushwalking and orienteering.

Best for:

• Beginners

• schools

• scouts

• casual bushwalkers

• navigation practice

For Regular Bushwalkers: SILVA Ranger

The SILVA Ranger is a practical step up for walkers who use a compass more often. Ranger sets are also popular for outdoor education and group navigation because they are built for serious field use and classroom learning.

Best for:

• bushwalking

• outdoor education

• regular navigation

• group use

For Serious Navigation: SILVA Expedition

The SILVA Expedition Compass is designed for demanding terrain and professional outdoor use. Features such as the integrated slope card and dual-scale measuring lanyard make it a more capable navigation tool for experienced users.

Best for:

• expedition use

• remote bushwalking

• advanced navigation

• field professionals

• instructors

For Professional and Military-Style Navigation: SILVA 3E or Expedition 4

The SILVA 3E offers professional-grade navigation with degrees and mils, a long expedition baseplate, romer scales and declination adjustment. The Expedition 4 6400/360 is described by Mapworld as a full-sized baseplate compass for experienced navigators with graduations in mils and degrees.

Best for:

• search and rescue

• defence-style navigation

• remote expeditions

• professional fieldwork

• advanced map users

For Schools and Groups: SILVA Compass Sets

Mapworld also offers SILVA compass sets, including a case of 28 SILVA Field Compasses, designed for beginners, students and group navigation training. The set is housed in a durable padded case, making it suitable for field instructors, adventure education programs, cadet units and scout leaders.

Best for:

• schools

• outdoor education

• scouts

• cadets

• group navigation training

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Practice Before You Need It

The worst time to learn compass navigation is when you are already lost.

Practice in safe, familiar terrain first.

Try:

• Taking a bearing across a park

• Following a bearing between visible landmarks

• Taking a map bearing to a track junction

• Identifying features by bearing

• Navigating short off-track legs

• Practising declination corrections

• Comparing compass bearings with GPS directions

Navigation becomes easier with repetition.

The aim is to build confidence before you need the skill in poor weather, remote country or fading light.

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Safety Notes

A compass is a powerful tool, but it should be part of a broader navigation system.

Before heading into remote country, carry:

• Current topographic map

• Quality compass

• GPS or navigation device

• Emergency communication device where appropriate

• Route plan

• Adequate water and clothing

• First aid kit

• Weather information

• Knowledge of local conditions

Tell someone where you are going.

Know your turnaround time.

Understand that navigation is not just about direction.

It is about decision-making.

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Why Buy Compasses from Mapworld?

Mapworld specialises in maps and navigation tools.

Our compass collection includes:

• SILVA Field compasses

• SILVA Ranger compasses

• SILVA Expedition compasses

• SILVA 3E and Expedition 4 professional compasses

• pocket compasses

• school and group compass sets

• orienteering compasses

• navigation accessories

Because Mapworld also supplies topographic maps, QTopo maps, NSW topographic maps, Geoscience Australia maps, Hema maps and field navigation products, customers can build a complete navigation kit in one place.

A compass alone is useful.

A compass paired with the right map is far more powerful.

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Final Thoughts

Learning how to take a bearing is one of the great turning points in outdoor navigation.

It changes the way you move through country.

You stop relying only on tracks, signs and instinct.

You begin to read the map.

You begin to understand direction.

You begin to navigate deliberately.

A good SILVA compass, a current topographic map and a little practice can open up a much deeper level of confidence in the outdoors.

Because navigation is not just about knowing where north is.

It is about knowing where you are going — and how to get there.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to take a bearing?

Taking a bearing means measuring a direction in degrees, either from a map to the ground or from the ground to a visible feature.

What compass is best for taking bearings?

A baseplate compass is usually best for map-and-compass navigation. SILVA Field, Ranger and Expedition compasses are all suitable depending on your experience level.

Is the SILVA Field Compass good for beginners?

Yes. The SILVA Field Compass is a good beginner-friendly compass for hiking, bushwalking, orienteering and general map navigation.

What is the difference between the SILVA Field and SILVA Expedition?

The SILVA Field Compass is simpler and well suited to beginners, while the SILVA Expedition is designed for more demanding navigation with advanced features such as an integrated slope card and dual-scale measuring lanyard.

Do I need to adjust for magnetic declination?

Yes, when navigating accurately with a topographic map and compass, you need to account for magnetic declination. Some advanced compasses include declination adjustment features.

Can I take a bearing without a map?

Yes. You can take a bearing to a visible object in the landscape. However, for serious navigation, a compass should be used with a suitable topographic map.

Can schools use SILVA compasses for navigation training?

Yes. Mapworld offers SILVA compass sets designed for students, group navigation and outdoor education programs.

Is a pocket compass enough for bushwalking?

A pocket compass is useful for quick direction checks and as a backup, but for proper map navigation and taking accurate bearings, a baseplate compass is usually the better choice.

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