Which step is involved in determining the azimuth with a compass?

Determining the azimuth with a compass requires aligning the front hairline with the target you are aiming for. This step is essential because the hairline on the compass aligns with the direction you want to measure. By pointing the compass towards your target, you can accurately read the azimuth from the compass scale, indicating the direction in degrees. This ensures you have a clear reference point to navigate or orient yourself in the desired direction.

The other choices contribute to the overall compass reading process but do not directly correlate to the specific action of determining the azimuth. For instance, while adjusting for magnetic declination is important for accuracy, it comes into play after properly aligning the compass. Similarly, rotating the dial or setting the compass on a flat surface relates to preparation and setup, not the actual determination of azimuth.