The markings on your map were confusing to me, too, so I called Land Navigation expert Blake Miller. Based on the info you sent, and without being able to look at the map, he wasn’t sure what the coordinates meant either.

So here’s what Blake suggests: get the rough coordinates from your map and go to this website: http://www.magnetic-declination.com/. There is also a good, more detailed explanation of declination.

Declination will change over time. You can call your local airport and ask for the current declination. Many GPS units will also list declination.

If all else fails, contact Declination Information, Department of the Interior. The person to talk to is: Jill Caldwell, phone: (303) 236-1369. She can give you the declination for your area.

Stay Found!

I know basic compass. You know, the red thingy between the two white dots = N. Though I’ve never been able to figure out this “declination” stuff. How much do I adjust the dial? For instance, on my topo map it says declination is 13o24′ or 238 mils(?) west of true north. But it gets even more weird when the maps states that annual change is 2.9′ (map date is 1996).

When the compass is zeroed out, I don’t know how far to adjust the dial????. All I know is that there are 360o or incriments on the dial of my compass. How many ‘ make 1o? Sorry for being so dumb but can you explain in simple english? Thanks for any help.

Cheers,

Peter