HOW COMPASSES WORK

LANYARD WITH MAP SCALES

Many Silva compasses come with a lanyard that also functions as a map measurer. Using the 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 scales, you can measure distances directly on the map and convert them into real-world distances. Simply place the lanyard along your planned route to quickly estimate how far you need to travel.

SLOPE CARD

The slope card helps you assess terrain steepness. It is a useful tool for planning routes, estimating difficulty and identifying slopes where avalanche risk may be higher. In snowy terrain, avalanche risk often increases on slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

MAGNIFYING GLASS

Some Silva compasses feature a built-in magnifying glass that makes it easier to read map details and small markings.

THE MAGNETIC ZONES

The Earth's magnetic field varies across different parts of the world. For this reason, most compasses are balanced for one of the Earth's three magnetic zones: MN (Magnetic North), ME (Magnetic Equator) or MS (Magnetic South).

If you use a compass in the wrong zone, the needle may tilt and provide a less accurate reading. On this website, we primarily sell compasses for the northern zone (MN), which covers Sweden, the Nordic countries and large parts of Europe and North America.

Some of our compasses are equipped with a global needle that works in all three zones, making them a great choice for travel and navigation in different parts of the world.

MAGNETIC DECLINATION

When using a map and compass together, it is important to understand magnetic declination and how to compensate for it. Declination is the difference in degrees between true north (shown by the map’s meridians) and magnetic north (where the compass needle points). In areas with significant declination, this difference must be taken into account to obtain an accurate bearing.

DECLINATION ADJUSTMENT

Most Silva compasses feature a declination scale inside the compass housing, making it easier to compensate for magnetic declination. Some models also include a small screwdriver integrated into the lanyard lock for permanent declination adjustment.