A very straightforward evolution of compass design, that makes use of plastics to improve the functionality of the compass, where the compass is mounted on a baseplate, that may or may not be transparent.
What is surprising is the sheer variety of baseplate compasses there are, making the baseplate compass a very versatile and useful type of compass, principally for outdoor activities. Widely used for orienteering and walking it has evolved from it’s simplest form to a much more sophisticated design with both prismatic and transit sighting. The most well known manufacturers are Silva & Suunto.
