Determine Direction

• 1). Open the lensatic compass case, which protects the mechanism. Hold the base of the compass parallel to the ground, with the case opened at a 90 degree angle. The opened compass should form an "L" shape, with the needle free to move.
  
  
• 2). Pull the lens bracket, which is often made from plastic or wire, away from the compass mechanism. Place the bracket at an angle of approximately 30 degrees from the compass base.
  
  
• 3). Place your thumb through the thumb loop, located on the bottom of the lensatic compass. This holds the compass securely during sighting. Move the compass to a comfortable level in line with your eyes.
  
  
• 4). Line up the sight wire and the sighting groove, which is a slot in the upright portion of the compass cover. Aim these two sight points toward an object in the distance.
  
  
• 5). Look down through the compass sight lens. Read the numbers on the compass dial that are centered in the sight lens. These numbers indicate the direction, or "azimuth" of the object being sighted, and range from zero to 360 degrees. Zero degrees indicates due north, while 180 degrees is due south.
  
  

Maintain Course

• 1). With the compass pointing in the desired direction of travel, rotate the compass bezel until its zero degree marking is aligned with the magnetic north arrow. Often, this marking is distinctly marked or illuminated.
  
  
• 2). Make a note of a specific point or object in the distance in line with your intended direction of travel. Move toward this point in as straight a line as possible. Keep your eyes on the distant point, not the compass, to avoid accidentally moving into a dangerous position.
  
  
• 3). Stop and verify your direction at regular intervals. With the compass held still, make sure that the north compass arrow is still aligned with the zero degree marking. As long as these point align, travel will be in a straight line. Turn to the left or right if the course has strayed, and repeat the previous step until you have arrived at your destination.