The traditional use of a compass as a navigational tool is quickly shifting GPS navigation, or Global Positioning System. For anyone traveling to a new destination for vacation, a GPS unit might be a worthwhile investment to help you navigate through the unfamiliar territory. Or, if you are headed to an outdoor vacation such as hiking, a GPS unit could save you a lot of headaches if you become lost at some point.
However, it is still a good idea for hikers to learn how to use a compass as they are often far less expensive than a GPS device. Also, GPS units do not work in every area so you may very well find yourself in need of an old-fashioned compass at some point.
Compasses date back to a few centuries ago when it was discovered that the Earths magnetic field was responsible for turning a piece of metal floating on a leaf in certain directions. That knowledge eventually brought us the modern compass available today, which can be quite sophisticated.
A quality compass will provide a detailed and accurate set of degree lines, while most paint tip pointing north a red color to set it apart from the tip pointing south. However, magnetic declination...