The compass at left is a typical orienteering baseplate-type compass. Most compasses are some variation of this one and this tutorial will probably make it clear how to use whatever type of compass you have. Later, we'll show the same basic steps with a thumb compass, because they're particular to the sport of orienteering.

First, place the compass edge against the route with the direction of travel arrows on the compass facing the direction you're going to be going. Remember: in this example we're planning on going from control 4 to control 5.