Compass Accuracy

Many things can affect the operation of a compass.

 Keep ferrous objects away from the compass body. 

I went to the U.S. Army's manual on Map Reading and Land Navigation verify  this issue.

The manual stated:

"Metal objects and electrical sources can affect the performance of a compass.  However, nonmagnetic metals and alloys do not affect compasses readings.  The following separations distances are suggested to ensure proper functions of a compass:

          High-tension power lines .........................................55 meters
          Field gun, truck or tank.............................................18 meters
          Telegraph or telephone wires and barbed wires .....10 meters
          Rifle ..........................................................................1/2 meter"

I would offer that a compass should be protected from some electronic/electric equipment such as flash lights and GPS receivers.







.