Hi everyone. If you’ve been following this blog for any length of time, the question “What is a Compass?” may have crossed your mind!
In this blog post we’ll be covering the basics of what a compass is and what it does with a fun quiz at the end for you to enjoy.
Let’s get started with what a compass actually is with a bit of history.
A compass is an instrument used for navigation and orientation that shows direction relative to the geographic cardinal directions (North, East, South, and West).
Generally, a compass is designed with a magnetized needle or group of needles that aligns with Earth’s magnetic field.
Compasses have been used for navigation since the Han Dynasty in China.
The first compasses were made with lodestones, natural magnets that were found in rocks.
The Chinese were using these lodestones for navigation by the 11th century. By the 13th century, dry compasses were being used in Europe.
Dry compasses used a magnetized needle that was free to rotate on a pivot point.
This simple tool consisted of a needle that points to the north pole, which made it an indispensible tool for anyone looking to find their way.
The most common use of a compass is to help people find their way. It is usually used in combination with a map, and can be very helpful in finding your way around unfamiliar territory.
This makes it an ideal tool for navigation, as it can help you find your way even when there are no landmarks to guide you.
Compasses are also an essential tool for hikers, campers, and anyone else who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors.
They are additionally used by sailors, aviators, and others who need to know their exact location.
The north magnetic pole is located in the Arctic and is not always fixed, so compasses have to be frequently calibrated.
Where Does the Word Compass Originate From?
The word compass comes from the Latin word for “circle,” which is why a compass is often shaped like a circle.
The first compasses were made of Lodestone, a natural magnetic material that was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans.
What is a Compass Rose?
A compass rose is an illustration on a map or chart or compass that shows the cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west), and often the intermediate directions (northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest).
Other names for a compass rose include wind rose, compass star, and rose of the winds.
Traditionally, a wind rose (which historically preceded the compass rose) was used as a guide on navigator or mariners’ charts to indicate the directions of the eight principal winds.
What are the Different Types of Compasses
There are many different types of compasses available on the market, from simple models that are great for kids to sophisticated units that include features like GPS and altimeters.
Here is a list of the different types of compasses:
- Magnetic Compass – The most common type of compass as described in this article and using a magnetized needle which aligns itself to true North.
- GPS Compass – This type of compass uses a combination of several satellites which circle the earth in geosynchronous orbit to determine location and direction.
- Gyrocompass – These compasses locate true north by determining the axis of the Earth’s rotation. Gyrocompasses are often used in aviation settings where magnetic compasses can be affected by steel located in the hull of sea vessels and distort the magnetic field.
- AstroCompass – These compasses use the position of astronomical bodies to find true north. They are used often in the polar regions where gyro compasses and magnetic compasses are unreliable due to the strong magnetic field (affecting the magnetic compasses) and effects of the rotation of the earth (affecting the gyrocompasses) located in these regions.
Compasses can also be used to triangulate your position.
This means that if you know the general direction of two landmarks, you can use the compass to figure out where you are in relation to those landmarks.
What are Some Common Uses for a Compass?
Compasses are commonly used for navigation, both on land and at sea. They’re also used in surveying and mapping to help determine direction and distance. Hikers and campers also use compasses frequently.
How does a Compass work?
Compasses work because Earth is a giant magnet. When you hold a compass level and let the needle swing freely, it will line up with Earth’s magnetic field and point toward magnetic north.
Magnetic north is different than true north (the direction toward the North Pole), so you also have to account for declination when using a compass for navigation.
Declination is the angle between magnetic north and true north, and it changes depending on your location.
Compasses work by detecting the Earth’s magnetic field. This field is created by the planet’s molten iron core and is strongest at the poles.
When you hold a compass near the ground, the needle aligns itself with the lines of flux in the Earth’s magnetic field. This alignment allows you to determine which direction is north.
What is the Design of a Compass?
Compass designs vary depending on their intended use, but all compasses share the same basic components:
The four main parts of a compass are the baseplate, housing, needle, and dial. Let’s take a look:
- The Baseplate – The baseplate is the flat, rectangular piece of plastic or metal that has ruler markings on it used for measuring distances on maps. .
- The Housing – The housing protects the delicate components from damage and can be made from materials like plastic or metal.
- The Needle – The needle is the magnetized pointer that swings freely inside the housing and always points to magnetic north.
- The Dial – The dial is the ring which surrounds the compass housing and has the degree markings located on it. The dial is the part you hold and it rotates the housing.
How do you use a Compass?
To use a compass, you’ll need to orient it so that the needle is pointing north.
You can then use north as a reference point to help you find other directions in relation to the needle.
What are Some Common Problems when Using a Compass?
Compasses are sensitive to changes in the Earth’s magnetic field, which can be caused by things like electrical storms or solar flares.
If there is a sudden change in the field, the needle will swing around until it re-aligns itself.
Some other common problems associated with using a compass include:
- Inaccurate readings due to interference from metal objects or electricity
- Incorrect calibration
- And broken needles
What are Some Safety Tips for Using a Compass?
If you’re using a compass for navigation, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and have a good understanding of map reading skills.
It’s also important to keep your compass away from metal objects, as they can interfere with its accuracy.
In Summary
At its most basic, a compass is simply a device that uses the Earth’s magnetic field to locate or find a desired direction such as North, South, East, or West.
Other directions such as Northwest, Southwest, and other variations can be located as well.
A compass is an essential tool for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just exploring your own backyard, a compass can help you find your way.
There are many different types of compasses available on the market today, from basic models that can be used for hiking to more sophisticated ones that are designed for use in more extreme conditions.
No matter what your needs are, there’s sure to be a compass that’s perfect for you. So next time you head out into the great outdoors, make sure you bring along your trusty compass!
If you would like to learn more in depth about compasses and further expand your knowledge, we highly recommend The Compass Dude!
Bonus Quiz: Test Your Compass Knowledge!
1. What is a compass?
A. An object that is used to determine direction
B. A device that is used to measure distance
C. A tool that is used to find your location
D. A device that is used to measure the weather
2. How long has the compass been in use?
A. Since the 11th century
B. Since the 16th century
C. Since the 18th century
D. Since the 20th century
3. How does a compass work?
A. By using the sun’s position
B. By using the stars’ positions
C. By using the Earth’s magnetic field
D. By using GPS
4. What were the first compasses made of?
A. Gold
B. Silver
C. Lodestone
D. Mercury
5. What are the four cardinal directions?
A. North, south, east, and west
B. Northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest
C. East, northwest, north, and south
D. Up, down, left, and right
6. What is declination?
A. The difference between true north and magnetic north
B. The difference between true north and grid north
C. The difference between magnetic north and grid north
D. The difference between east and west
7. What are some of the modern uses of a compass?
A. For surveying
B. For hiking and camping
C. For mapping
D. For all of the above
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