Parts of a Compass - Orienteering
Index Pointer
butt end of the direction-of-travel arrow. It ends right at the edge of the dial and is where you take degree readings
Scales
each edge of a compass may have different rulers for use with different map scales
Magnifier
for seeing small map features better
Baseplate
hard, flat surface on which the rest of the compass is mounted. It has a rulers on its edges for measuring distances on maps. It's edge is straight and useful for laying lines on a map
Magnetic Needle
magnetized piece of metal that has one end painted red to indicate North. It sits on a fine point that is nearly frictionless so it rotates freely when the compass is held fairly level and steady
Housing
main part of the compass. It is a round plastic container filled with liquid and has the compass needle inside
Direction-of-travel arrow
marked on the base plate. You point this the way you will be traveling
Orienting Arrow
marked on the floor of the housing. It rotates with the housing when the dial is turned. You use it to orient a compass to a map
Graduating Dial
ring around the housing that has degree markings engraved. You hold the dial and rotate it to rotate the entire housing
Orienting Lines
series of parallel lines marked on the floor of the housing and on the base plate