 An orienteering compass can be used to determine directions on a map. First, place your compass on the map so that one edge of the base plate touches both your starting point and destination. If the distance is longer than your base plate, using a straight edge, draw a line between the two points and place your compass along that line. The compass should be pointing in the direction of your destination. Next, turn the bezel on your compass until the orienting arrow points north and lies parallel with the nearest north-south meridian. Your compass is now set. To get the direction, read the degree marking on the bezel of your compass. That is your direction and degrees. If you were to try and navigate to that spot in the field, you would align the floating magnetic needle with your orienteering arrow on the face of the compass, and using your compass as a guide, begin pacing in that direction.