Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

How to Measure Structural Orientations With a Compass

Before the invention of the GPS, directions were obtained by using a compass. A compass enables you to find a bearing for the direction to a location. To do this for the orientation of a structural object, the aid of a map or blueprint is required. You can measure its orientation by using a compass to find the direction from a specific starting point.

Things You'll Need

Map
Blueprint
Compass

Instructions

- 1
  Open the map blueprint and place it on a table or desk. Set the compass down on the document.
- 2
  View the needle on the compass, then reposition the document so that the top is oriented to "North."
- 3
  Determine your starting location on the document and place the compass directly over this spot.
- 4
  Hold the compass to ensure that the needle remains pointing north. Point the direction indicator on the compass in the direction that the structural object is facing.
- 5
  Make a note of the graduation markings on the edge of the compass. These are the bearing headings to use to indicate the object's position.

Other Hobbies