I have been experimenting with different navigation tools to improve my survival skills, and I came across an online compass that intrigued me. My main concern, however, is whether an online tool, as opposed to traditional magnetic compasses, can truly be relied upon during a crisis or survival scenario. I’ve heard mixed opinions about relying solely on digital tools when out in the wilderness, and I would love to get some input from others who may have tested this kind of technology in real survival situations. I’ve been using online compasses for a while now, mostly for urban navigation, and they seem accurate when used with good internet connectivity. However, during power outages or in areas where cell service is unreliable, it’s obvious that the digital compass could be a bit useless without a constant signal. While this might seem like a minor inconvenience, in a survival scenario, this could be a major problem. It’s easy to overlook the need for a physical backup when technology works perfectly fine in the day-to-day routine. As I’ve been doing some research and thinking more about this, I started to consider the larger implications of relying on tools that depend on a power source. If I were out in the wilderness and something happened to my device—say, it got wet, broke, or ran out of battery—then what would I do? A traditional compass doesn’t require electricity, and it doesn’t need a clear signal or Wi-Fi. It’s something simple, reliable, and physically durable. The problem is, I don't always carry one because I’ve become accustomed to using digital tools, which seem more convenient. However, I’m starting to realize that technology does have its place even in these situations. I find it inspiring how people have used online compasses, even in outdoor and survival contexts. An online compass, also known as a is essentially a web-based tool that helps determine direction using digital maps and GPS coordinates, typically accessed through a mobile device or a computer. While I wouldn’t want to depend solely on a digital tool, I do think it could be useful as a backup when traditional methods are unavailable. I’ve had positive experiences with online compass tools in less critical situations, such as hiking in well-known areas, where I still used traditional methods but had a digital compass for additional confirmation of my direction. I think in certain circumstances, especially if you are in a location with decent cell service, having an online compass could be a useful supplementary tool. Now, I’m wondering what others think about the value of online tools for survival preparedness. Have any of you used a digital compass during a real survival situation? What did you find out about its effectiveness in an emergency, and what were the specific conditions that made it work or fail? Did it have any advantages, such as ease of use, speed, or visibility in various weather conditions? Was it really worth it to have a backup, or did the tool fail to live up to expectations? I’m curious about the kinds of experiences others have had and whether I’m missing something important in my considerations of digital tools. Do you think that technology like an online compass could ever be a reliable primary tool in an off-grid survival setting, or is it best used as a last resort or supplementary backup? What other considerations should I be keeping in mind when it comes to preparing for navigation without relying on modern tech?
I would think walking around town looking at your phone would make you less obvious, but... rely on it? heh
One advantage of the digital compass is that it is up to date. While I use a good boy scout compass I got about 1950, and topo maps from the 1970's, I am having ever more trouble in allowing for the corrections for true north. The farther north you are, the more the corrections and one estimate has the magnetic north pole moving about 55 kilometers a year. While my compass has a method of allowing for the error, it has to be physically set in and I have to know it. What I do find of more use is the satellite views. My area was updated about 3 months ago, new shed appears, know where truck and tractor were parked, leaves, etc. The available scale allows me to pick out my 4 ft sq hand pump well platform. Thus for most of my needs I use printouts of the data. For detail, few feet, you can not beat GPS and if you wish to go high tech and set up your own correcting system for about $1,000, you can get within an inch or so. Real problem is that we know that in the real world, think Ukraine, the data from the GPS is jammed or spooked. Missiles and even artillery shells use system for location. They also depend on a highly complex set of satellites in very precise locations. For long term survival in adverse conditions, the old standard compass has proven to be reliable, does not require power or a satellite signal, emits no signal that can be detected, is EMP proof, has a storage life measured in decades, requires no routine updating, the operating system has not been changed nor updated in centuries, it is very resistant to viruses, it can be used by semi trained individuals and is not dependent on any one language or operating system. In fact, if you are going into an area in which you can not clearly see your objective, you should have a compass on your person. In a good portion of the US, the ability to go for a few miles in a straight line and in a desired direction, will almost insure your survival. Many "lost" hikers are found close to marked trail, a road, or a stream that leads to civilization. While you can scream for help on your cell phone, it does not encourage you to follow a straight line to a given point. A compass does.
As a Pilot, I rely on several types of Navigation aids, but still carry a traditional compass and keep up on how to use it and how to correct for magnetic shift! I also use aviation specific nav. apps which work in conjunction with a compass to navigate accurately. For the money, I highly recommend ON-X off road, among the many apps available, I find it the most useful and current, as well as helping with land owner issues and no go areas, as well as area restrictions such as width or Jeep only, or ATV only 60" or 54" trails! Limited Time - 50% Off onX Offroad - Premium & Elite Memberships Most cell phones have apps that give you a basic GPS linked compass, most are VERY accurate but 1) require a GPS track/signal, and 2) a Cell Phone Signal/Line of Sight to the nearest tower to function properly! Some of those compass apps also provide a topographical map and even a Sat. View in near real time, sort of like Google Earth, but better and more accurate! Nothing beats an old School Compass, but you really need to become proficient in it's use, long before you ever need to rely on it!
A fairly cheap Silva Ranger 2 (~$50)doesn't weigh much or take up much space. Compass declination is local but the Magnetic pole is closer to True North than it used to be in the 80s (at least for Texas). I wouldn't make any electrical device my only option in a disaster when there's such a good option. If nothing else, throw a little boy scout pocketwatch sized model in the bag.
Does bring up a good point though. Perfect is the great enemy of good enough. A SKS that you know how to shoot, or a mag compass are much better than waiting until you can afford a multi thousand dollar perfect rifle or have to plug in you map program. My house and the dump are full of kitchen stove, chip no longer available, microwave, chip costs more than microwave, electric space heater, has to be plugged in, smart phone, battery dead and at 3 years old, not lasting as long as it did when new. A lot to be said for low tech that works, even if obsolete, and will continue to work even if the grid has been down for 5 years. A good 1930's kitchen wood cook stove with a water jacket comes to mind.
Without a current map, you're shooting in the dark. Start with a map before anything, orient the map correctly aligning up known features, know the area declination, Then move from point "0" If you wait till your lost you may as well use the map for fire starter and the compass as a fidget spinner. Map and compass work needs to be as ridged as a drill Sargeant. The practice of orienteering needs to be done till it is as natural a breathing. Don't attempt to learn it while your hunting, both take a great deal of concentration, like learning to ride a unicycle and juggle at the same time. Case in point, I though I was pretty good navigating the mountains having grown up in them in another area, and got lost in an unfamiliar environment, having failed at proper orienteering. Almost any compass can work even a cheepy if you take good care of it. Most any compass can get mixed of if it is exposed to another strong magnetic/electrical source or heavily jarred. The better ones have a needle lock when the lid is shut to prevent damage. I recommend that when you get one use it with a map of the area like a child with a new toy.
Even a blind squirrel sometimes finds nuts! Kind of proves that often the topic is much more important than the poster. I often find things in the Motivational Poster thread that have only a picture and are just as meaningful today as they were 10 years ago. Sometimes get a little upset with chell for example, but he has been very successful in stirring the pot since 2010 and makes me think, even if only to defend my views. Again want to thank the mods who keep us on track, but leave people like me and chell enough rope to hang our selves. Without your limits, this forum could go the way of Frugal S and a very valuable resource disappear.
