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NOTE: The instructions for a “temporary” adjustment for declination of a field bear-
ing are exactly opposite from the temporary adjustment of a map bearing.
NOTE: The declination scale should be set at zero for all compass operations which
involve no allowance for declination; or when the temporary method is used.
A “Short-Cut” Method to Deal with Declination:
W
hen the compass is used with a map, no adjustment is necessary if the orienting
lines on the map are drawn according to Magnetic North instead of True North.
Most topographic maps are drawn according to True North and the orienting lines
are also according to True North.
D
raw your own orienting line according to Magnetic North:
On all topographic maps, there is a declination diagram near the bottom. The star line
designates True North and is parallel with the orienting lines. However, the single
barb arrow designates Magnetic North. Draw your own Magnetic North orient-
ing lines by drawing 1" or 2" lines across the map that are parallel to the Magnetic
North arrow. Use these lines instead of the True North lines when setting your
compass and you will not need to adjust for declination.
PLOT LOCATIONS ON A MAP
Section I
T
riangulation method:
Find two specific sites (a) and (b) on the map which you recognize, by sight, on the
terrain. These are the chosen points from which to take cross bearings.
