How to Use a Surveyor's Steel Tape

Hammer a post into the ground, using a mallet, at the starting point of the land you wish to measure.

Place a magnetic compass on top of the post. Rotate the compass until the point marked as "N" on the dial lines up exactly with the red point of the indicator needle.

Read off, from the dial of the compass, the exact direction in which you wish to measure. For example: "240 degrees southwest." Take a note of the direction, with a notebook and pencil.

Fix one end of the surveyor's steel tape securely to the post, using parcel tape.

Walk off in the direction you have chosen, unreeling the steel tape as you go. Take the compass, the second post and the mallet with you.

Stop from time to time, and align the compass needle with the north. Check that you are still headed in the exact direction you chose at the outset and that you have not deviated from your line. Correct your course if you have strayed too far in one direction or the other.

Stop when you reach the desired distance, shown on the steel tape. Again, align the compass needle with the north and check you are still headed in the exact direction you first chose. If not, correct your position. Hammer the second post into the ground using the mallet to mark the end of the line you have measured.

Wind up the tape, using the crank handle on the side of the reel as you walk along. Free the end of the tape when you reach the starting post once again.