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How to Use a Protractor for Bearings

When determining the direction you need to travel when navigating you will require a bearing. Finding a bearing can be done with a protractor and the use of a map. This allows you to plot the direction to go if you do not have a compass or the terrain is difficult to see.

Things You'll Need

Map
Protractor

Instructions

- 1
  Open the map and place it on a flat surface, such as a table or desk. Adjust the orientation of the map to the proper direction.
- 2
  Place a ruler between the starting point and your destination. Draw a line from the starting point to the destination point with the pencil.
- 3
  Place the protractor on the starting point on the map. The "0"degree line needs to be aligned with north and parallel with the edge of the map.
- 4
  Find where the line you drew on the map intersects the protractor. Read the bearing that is indicated on the protractor.
- 5
  Repeat this process to find additional bearings on the map.

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