Map and Compass basics using a SUUNTO MC-2 

@@richm-3803 thanks.

point the "doghouse" hollow red arrow to north on the compass. this is 0 degrees of declination

On the back of the compass there is a tiny little screw. twist it using the little metal piece that came with the compass. If assembled properly the little metal piece should stay on the string. For a demo see the video at 07:56.

You also have marks for declination in 2° steps in the INSIDE of the Compass Can. If Not, use the outside marks also in 2° steps. He explained where you find the declination on the map.

on the back of the compass there is a little (tiny 3mm) flat head screw. Twist it until the dial is aligned with 0 at the top.

declination changes from map to map and every year also so if your map is like 5 years old changes are you are several degrees off

Correct. you will only change it if you move a significant distance 20-50 miles and use a new map.

pull harder to separate the black plastic from the clear plastic parts at the end opposite the hinge.

You can make a little ruler by copying the map scale units onto a scrap of paper or just use any object (e.g. the length of a your pinky) to transfer the printed map scale (length) between locations on the map. For example if your pinky is about the length of a mile, count the number of pinkies you can place between two points on the map to estimate distance between point A and B.

​@ericm.lamalfaph.d.4624 Is it better to just use USGS utm? I had a survival guy tell me to get it in metric scales. I keep reading I should get USGS for North America.

@@nicholasclarence Look at the maps that you plan to use with the compass and purchase the scale that matches them. UTMs are metric, some models have both metric and standard (miles) if you want to go back and fourth.

What do you feel are the best maps out there ? Any tips on where to buy them ?