Compass Bearings
Compass bearings describe directions using the four cardinal points (N, S, E, W) and the angles between them. True bearings are measured clockwise from north and given as three digits.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Cardinal points: North (0deg/360deg), East (90deg), South (180deg), West (270deg)
True bearings are three-digit angles measured clockwise from north, e.g. 045deg = NE
Back bearing: add or subtract 180deg to find the return direction
Compass bearings are used in navigation, maps, and orienteering
Key Vocabulary
Bearing
A direction measured as an angle clockwise from north
Cardinal point
One of the four main compass directions: N, S, E, W
True bearing
A three-digit angle measured clockwise from north, e.g. 090deg
Back bearing
The bearing in the opposite direction; found by adding or subtracting 180deg
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
What is the true bearing of due East?
Question 2
A hiker walks on a bearing of 225deg. In which general direction is this?
Question 3
If you face a bearing of 060deg, what is the back bearing?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Cardinal points: North (0deg/360deg), East (90deg), South (180deg), West (270deg)
- ●True bearings are three-digit angles measured clockwise from north, e.g. 045deg = NE
- ●Back bearing: add or subtract 180deg to find the return direction
- ●Compass bearings are used in navigation, maps, and orienteering