Combination

Lensatic / Map
Compass

Instruction for Use

Foreword
A compass in its simplest form is a tool that
point to magnetic north (in the Northern
Hemisphere) The addition of various features
makes this tool easier to use in specific
circumstances For example, the Map Compass
has features that make it easier to measure
angles and determine direction from a
topographical map. And the Lensatlc Compass
allows for more accurate determination of a
azimuths or lines of direction when In the field
Both function fine but have their limitations
The Combination Lensatic / Map Compass
combines the features of both and will make
your compass work easier and more precise
1. Index line

2. Holes for Drawing Map Symbols

3. Aim Slot A

4. Scale Ring

5. Bezel Arrow

6. Rotating Plate

7. Magnifier
8. Aim Slot B

9. Floating Magnetic Dial

10. Scale A -mm

11. Scale B -Inch and 1/20

12. Scale C –1:24000

13. Scale D -1:25000

14. Scale E –1:63360

 10 1

11 13

3
2

4
5
8

9 7

14
12

Fig. 1
General Knowledge about Maps and Compass
Most often we take little notice of the
definitions of “North” and “South” when we
use these words. However, when working with
a compass we must understand that these
words can be defined in two terms:
“geographic” and “magnetic”. Geographic
North is established geographically and is
common all over the world. The circles of l
ongitude on a map are drawn in correlation to
the geographic poles and the lines show the
direction to the Geographical North. The
direction of these lines is different from the
direction that the magnetic compass needle
points to. On an ordinary map upside is the
direction of the geographical North and the
downside is the Geographical South.
Accordingly, the right and left sides are East and
West respectively. This variation differs from
place to place throughout the world. However,
topographical maps of each area give the local
variation. This variation (or declination) must
be added or subtracted to or from the compass
bearing to get the actual or true direction or
location on the map. The variation will be sub-
tracted if the variation is west of the zero
declination line and added if it is east.
Topographical maps will usually give you the
variation east or west.
If you are traveling several miles and have an
exact objective, variation can be critical.
Otherwise, it may be more practical to use the
bearing or azimuth you get when you set
Magnetic North to 0. The magnetic poles are
close to the geographical poles but are not
coincidental. The angle between the straight
lines pointing from a specific place of observation
to the geographical and magnetic North poles
is called Variation or Declination. (Figure 2)

Magnetic North Map North Circles of

Magnetic Longitude Variation
North line

Fig. 2
Finding the direction to a destination
1) Open the map and lay it out on a flat surface.
Avoid metal, which disturbs the magnetic field
and distorts the compass.
2) Open the Combination Compass so the two
acrylic sections are flat. Turn the compass until
the N indicator on the scale ring is aligned with
N on the Floating Magnetic Dial. Then rotate the
Bezel Arrow until it also aligns with magnetic
north. (Figure 3)

Fig. 3
3) Align the north-south indicating lines on the
map with magnetic north on the compass. The
map is now oriented.
4) With the map correctly oriented, identify
your current location and your destination.
Connect the two with a straight line.

Fig. 4
5) Place the long flat edge of the compass
base along the straight line. (Figure 4) The
index line is now pointing at your destination
and the bearing can be read from the
magnetic dial. The bezel arrow will be pointing
at the exact bearing or angle. This is your
direction of travel.
6) Note that the numbers (or graduations) on
the magnetic dial are quite small. To make it
easier to read, turn the Bezel Arrow to align
with N on the Floating Magnetic Dial. You can
now read the bearing off the larger numbers
on the Scale Ring. (Figure 5)

Fig. 5
Maintaining your direction of travel
In the above example you determined your
direction of travel. Now lets consider how to
maintain that direction when traveling.
1) First, lets assume the bearing (or angle) to
the destination is 330 degrees per the example
in figure 5. Turn the Bezel Arrow to zero on the
Scale Ring.
2) Standing at the starting point, set the folding
base to 90 degrees and adjust the Magnifier to
a position of about 70 degrees. (Figure 6) You
are now going to use the features commonly
used in a Lensatic compass.

Fig. 6
3) With your eye close to the Magnifier, look
through the magnifier, adjusting your view until
you can see the Floating Magnetic Dial. Now
slowly turn your body until the Bezel Arrow is
exactly positioned at 330 degrees. You are now
facing your direction of travel. (Figure 7)

Fig. 7
4) Maintaining that position, lift your eye
slightly so that you are now looking through
Aim Slot B and forward through Aim Slot A.
Look for a large easily identified target (such
as a tree, lighthouse, rock, etc.) which is in your
line of sight. (Figure 8) You can now advance
towards this target knowing you are on course
to your destination.
5) When you reach this target, repeat the step,
continuing on the same bearing until you arrive
at your final destination.

Fig. 8
Finding your location on a map
You are lost! But you have a topographical
map of the area and your Combination
Lensatic /Map Compass.
1) Locate yourself on a high point from where
you can see at least two distinctive features of
the landscape, both of which can be identified
on your map. For our example we will use
mountain E and take H.
2) Orient your map to North as described earlier.

Fig. 9
3) With the Bezel Arrow positioned over 0 on
the Scale Ring and the base and Magnifier
positioned as in Figure 6 sight through the Aim
Slots to the mountain and read the bearing or
angle from the Floating Magnetic Ring (345˚ in
our example). You may find it easier to move
your eye back, turn the Bezel Arrow to position
it over N on the Dial and read the angle or
bearing from the large numbers on the
Scale Ring.
150˚ Lake H

345˚ Mountain E

Magnetic
North line

Fig. 10
4) Lay the compass flat on the previously
oriented map. Place one of the long edges of
the compass base on the mountain we have
identified as E on the map. While keeping the
base edge on E, rotate the base until the Bezel
Arrow is directly over 345˚ on the Floating Mag-
netic Dial. Now draw a line along the side of the
base, passing through E. Extend this straight line
as far as necessary across the map. (Figure 10) If
you preferred to use the alternative

345˚ Mountain E 150˚ Lake H

Magnetic
North line

Present
Place

Fig. 11
escribed in 3) above and read the angle from
the Scale Ring, leave the Bezel Arrow where it
was positioned. Line up your straight edge on
E and move the base in an arc until N on the
Magnetic Dial is positioned directly under the
Bezel Arrow. Then draw your line along the
base through E.
5) Repeat steps 3 and 4 using lake H as the
target. Our example shows the lake at 15˚.
Your line from the lake at 15 degrees will
intersect with the previously drawn line from
the mountain. Where the lines intersect is your
current location. (Figure 11)