Abstract: A low profile compass of the type including a transparent base member and fluid-filled vial contains a directional indicator in the vial in the form of a circle which is alignable with another circle imprinted on the vial. A hinged cover assembly can be detented to selected positions and includes a mirrored sight line for direct line sighting, and a lower protective cover or shoe for the base of the compass also serves as a receptacle for instruction sheets and scales for use in taking directional readings as well as for orientation alignment on a topographic map and inclinometer readings.