Declination is the upward (vertical) field affects.

Inclination is the downward (vertical) field affects.

That's why they aren't noted on charts & maps,,only variation (the horizontal component) is given plus the annual increase or decrease.

Deviation is the affect that a magnetized object has on the magnetic flow lines in it's immediate vicinity.

Ken, I don't post here much, but I just wanted to tell you any Scout Leader is a hero in my book.

Some period antarctic compasses were built pointing south. The chinese built southern oriented units. Engineering compasses will be oriented south. And last of all, compasses to determine the direction of Mecca for moslem prayers

I have to agree with Chris.

I have used a Silva Ranger Type 15 for 25 years at work and play, over hundreds of miles of Ontario bush and have found it to be an accurate, easy to use instrument. I have broken a few of them, but that was always due to neglect, not the fault of the design.

The Silva site now calls it the 515 CL model seen here

Mike

P.S. I just tried my first "overwrite" of a website link, hope this works?

Good old rugged, used them in the military and bought one when I got out. Very accurate, beyond durable (tough as nails), use day or night without a light, can use any where in the world without worry of binding up with needle drop. Best investment you can make and will last you for as long as we keep our earths polarity.


http://www.uscav.com/Productinfo.aspx?productID=7587&TabID=548


Military Lensatic Tritium Compass

NSN: 6605-01-196-6971

Commie propaganda!

Pat

Simple, effective, light, compact and easy to use. Both of those are good choices.

CHEAT! The NMP still determines where they point. Just because they paint a needle to point elsewhere is irrelevant!

I'm throwing a Red Flag!

Pat

+1 for the old reliable military lensatic compass. Just be sure you get the real thing and not one of the cheap copies!

real GI issue compass with tritium is the ultimate standard. The only drawback is no declination, but you can write that on the map as a reminder. Second place is Silva Ranger. Buy one of those and your set for life.