Silva Compass - how to set magnetic declination

How to set the magnetic declination on any Silva compass. This video shows how set a compass with a fixed declination scale and those with a semi permanent declination adjustment when taking a bearing from a map.

[@Knifeguy1a]

Simplest, clearest, and most concise explanation/demonstration I’ve seen for Silva compasses with fixed declination scales. Many thanks!

[@kevinhill818]

Great presentation! Simple and to the point. Excellent! 😊 I used to live in the UK and didn’t really have to worry about magnetic declination. I now live in Otago, New Zealand where magnetic declination is over 25 degrees East. Honestly it’s been a complete nightmare adjusting each time on a baseplate (SILVA Ranger) where declination isn’t adjustable. I’ve just picked up a compass that I can change the declination value (SILVA Expedition) and not have to worry about it. Let’s hope this is better! Have a fab week 😊

[@johnjentzer1863]

Great presentation and explanation. Here's a method that appeals to me. Once you have set the declination you can orient map to north. While this takes a little more time and effort, you are able to merge the terrain that you are seeing with the topographic features on the map. All bearings, map-to-compass and compass-to-map require no adjustments and having the terrain features oriented are nice benefits.

[@sewerynhabdank-wojewodzki4403]

Nice video. Thanks! Like given 🙂. Would be good to have in the description link to the video about declination.

[@jstpsgthru]

CONFUSING! You appeared to want to travel NE, but after fiddling with the compass, the direction of travel was pointing the opposite direction, unless I'm not seeing you manipulate the map as well?

[@TheMapReadingCompany]

Hi, sorry if it confusing. I think you're assuming the map is oriented in some direction, it isn't. There is no need to point the map in specific way when taking a bearing from a map - I've just checked (we all make mistakes now and again) and the video is correct. Have a watch of this video and it explains it in more detail: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4jMfolqiZqehsU

[@PYE172]

when i was doing my flying they did not call it DECLINATION they TOLD ME IT WAS VARIATION WEST IS BEST EAST IS LEAST

[@jerk_store]

Right, just remember that rhyme only works when using a map to get a bearing. When using a compass alone to get a bearing, it is the opposite. Very important if you're flying an aircraft that doesn't have a glass cockpit. 🙂

[@benhikescamps]

Been going around the houses in KZbin and love the way this has been taught and presented. Superb. Have subscribed and thank you!

[@stevemulholland1532]

Great video. A semi-permanent compass can also be used to perform modified resection (where you are on a trail but do not know where) and resection (unknown location and landmarks available). You place the front of the compass on the maps landmark, then rotate the adjusted compass until the parallel lines are parallel to the north south lines. You draw a line, and in the case of modified resection, you have found your location on the trail. Resection requires 2 or 3 bearings. The process of drawing your lines is the same as modified resection. I would like to see you do a resection video with two types of compasses. Keep well.

[@TheMapReadingCompany]

Something like this ? What you're describing as a modified resection are know in the UK as transits. In this video I also cover triangulation / resection kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGLYfp6sZp6Ir9k

[@stevemulholland1532]

I just watched your back bearing video. Well done.

[@Gaalification]

So this means that once I set declination semi permanently, I don't need to adjust it between map to compass and compass to map anymore but I can just keep it as it is?

[@Navigator-apex]

Simple and easy to understand. You are the only person on youtube that makes these tutorials so simple and practical. Cheers

[@user-jg2nq6ll4c]

I thought you just added or subtracted the declination on your compass based on what the map says the declination adjustment is????????? I'm confused now🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jerk_store]

You are both correct. He simply showed a different way of doing it, using the tools available on those compasses.

[@livingadventure2988]

FINALLY GOT IT thank you 🙂

[@Rozenix]

Dziękuję za poradnik. W końcu wiem jak wyznaczać azymut z ustawioną deklinacją.

[@TheMapReadingCompany]

nie ma problemów, jestem zadowolony, że się panu podobało

[@nigelgregory5996]

just beginning to learn about declination but got confused. when you demonstrated where you were going to walk to, and then adjusted for declination, the angle of travel from the compass was pointing the complete opposite according to the map...hope this explains.

[@BreannaVK3BBS]

He’s not orienting the map. He’s using the intermediate technique of how to determine a bearing from a map using the orienting lines in the bezel. Orienting the map is a helpful for beginners but not needed. Note how at 3:30 the magnetic needle was pointing off at ~135 d. Thats why he had to turn the compass before making the declination adjustment. He has a video all about deciding to orient the map or not. Typically most users do when navigating by features but not when using map and compass together once you understand how.

[@ironjavelin7482]

What do you do if the declination is not working like in the video

[@mendozaconsultation]

Questions/2 of them. #1-You have an old map and since declination changes yearly, how do you set your compass declination using that Map. #2-If you don't have a map, AND are say are hiking, how do you set declination to make sure your compass is set CORRECTLY for the area your in so you can get back to your starting point.

[@TheMapReadingCompany]

In some countries the declination, the at the time the map was printed is shown on the map. It should also show how much it is expected to change each year, so you can work out the declination today. Or there are many websites you can use which will give your current declination. www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/calculators/magcalc.shtml

[@jarekmn]

Isn’t it opposite for East declination? Mag to grid add …

[@TheMapReadingCompany]

Have look at this video which I did a few days ago. This should clear things up. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipeco6WjppqJnJo Thanks

[@lilchris26]

Simple question from a newbie, where do you find how much declination for the area you are in, I am in the northwest uk. And how much does it vary over the country ?

[@TheMapReadingCompany]

In this UK, put your postcode on this form www.geomag.bgs.ac.uk/data_service/models_compass/gma_calc.html At the moment (this will change) in most of the UK there is only a small amount of declination and so you don't need to worry about it.

[@StevenKeery]

​​​@@TheMapReadingCompany: I tried putting in this reference you quoted, the site cannot be found. I live in Belfast, Northern Ireland and have a Silva Expedition 4 compass. Finally found out your site only covers GB Mainland. Tried to find it on the Irish system only to find Belfast not listed. It seems we have dropped off the map. I wonder if that will affect my Rates bill. Finally, just typed in magnetic declination in Belfast for it to come up with 1°41' which it then repeated as Negative West. What it must be like to be popular.

[@stephenmcculloch1915]

You will also find the value printed on whatever Ordnance Survey map you are using.

[@chazt4863]

Shouldn't you orient the map to you known position first....then place your compass on the map to determine your declination and direction of travel?

[@TheMapReadingCompany]

The map can be pointing in any direction

[@Navigator-apex]

When I am using my Suunto M3 baseplate I don't orient the map but I found that if I start using my Cammenga Lensatic compass, I get more accurate readings if I orient the map.