Compass

2016 Busola

Model Si Nan of Han Dynasty

walkers compass arp

Cammenga-lensatic-compass-model-27

מצפן

Compass is a navigational instrument used to determine direction relative to the Earth's magnetic poles. It consists of a free rotating magnetized needle that aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, pointing towards the magnetic poles. Compasses have been a critical tool in navigation, allowing explorers, sailors, and hikers to find their way even when landmarks are not visible.

History

The history of the compass dates back to ancient times, with the first recorded use in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). Initially, Chinese compasses were not used for navigation but for Feng Shui, to determine auspicious building sites. The technology spread from China to the Islamic world and then to Europe by the 12th century, revolutionizing maritime navigation during the Age of Discovery.

Types of Compasses

There are several types of compasses, each designed for specific applications. The most common include:

• Magnetic Compass: The traditional type, which uses a magnetized needle to align with the Earth's magnetic field.
• Gyrocompass: Uses a fast-spinning disc and the principle of gyroscopic inertia to find true north, unaffected by magnetic anomalies.
• Liquid-filled Compass: A magnetic compass in which the needle or disk is suspended in a liquid to dampen the movement and protect the needle.
• Solid-state Compasses: Utilize sensors and electronics to determine direction, often found in smartphones and other portable technology.

Principles of Operation

The basic principle behind a compass is magnetism. The Earth acts like a giant magnet with poles that roughly align with its geographic poles. A compass needle aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, pointing towards the magnetic north and south poles. However, because the magnetic poles do not exactly coincide with the geographic poles, compass users must adjust for magnetic declination – the angle between magnetic north and true north, which varies by location.

Uses

Beyond navigation, compasses are used in surveying, map-making (cartography), and outdoor activities such as hiking and orienteering. They are essential tools for military operations, especially in environments where GPS technology might be compromised or unavailable.

Modern Developments

With the advent of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, the use of traditional compasses has declined but not disappeared. Many outdoor enthusiasts and professionals still carry a compass as a reliable backup to electronic systems, which can fail or lose accuracy in certain conditions, such as heavy forest cover or near large magnetic fields.

See Also

• Magnetic Declination
• Navigation
• Map
• Orienteering
• Global Positioning System

Compass Resources
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