how was the compass used

Who was the first to use a compass?

The first compass was probably invented by the Chinese sometime around the first century. While historians aren’t sure of the exact origin of the compass, Chinese sailors had it about a thousand years before Europeans invented a version of the compass. The history of the compass is intriguing. When sailors first created it, they used a ...

What is the main use for a compass?

What are the two uses of Compass?

• To detect the directions.
• To check the polarity of other magnet and to plot magnetic field lines.
• It is mainly used in ships for navigation and orientation. Even in the aviation industry, compass is used but due to the constant changes in earth’s magnetic field. ...

What do scientist use a compass for?

The compass is a magnetometer used for navigation and orientation that shows direction in regards to the geographic cardinal points.The structure of a compass consists of the compass rose, which displays the four main directions on it: East (E), South (S), West (W) and North (N). The angle increases in the clockwise position. North corresponds to 0°, so east is 90°, south is 180° and west ...

What is a compass used too determine?

What Is A Compass? A compass is a tool used for navigation that shows direction in relation to north. You can use a compass to shoot a bearing (i.e. to determine the direction of an object), or to navigate a course on land, water, or in the air without the use of fixed reference points.

How did people use the compass?

The compass is used for navigation, location and direction. People use it to find their way, whether it is on a hiking trail or on a trip to a new location. It is an instrument composed of a suspended magnetic pointer that is attracted to the polarity of the North Pole.

How was the compass first used?

In ancient China, the compass was first used for worship, fortune-telling and geomancy - the art of aligning buildings. In the late 11th or early 12th century, Chinese sailors adopted the compass for astronomical and terrestrial navigation, heralding a new era in the history of navigation.

How did explorers use a compass?

Around the late 1200s to early 1300s, sailors started using a dry compass. This new advancement used a pivoting needle attached to a compass card in a wooden box. The direction points of the compass card looked like a rose.

Where are compass used?

Read a brief summary of this topiccompass, in navigation or surveying, the primary device for direction-finding on the surface of the Earth. ... The oldest and most familiar type of compass is the magnetic compass, which is used in different forms in aircraft, ships, and land vehicles and by surveyors.More items...•

How did the compass changed the world?

Sailors had to keep the shore in sight so they could see landmarks, or they risked getting lost. Compasses made it possible for explorers to sail far out into oceans and away from land—no matter what the weather was like. This led to more exploration, the discovery of new countries, and trade with other cultures.

What is a compass needle made of?

The needle of magnetic compass is made of steel. This material can be magnetised for an extended period.

Why was the compass so important?

The invention of the compass made it possible to determine a heading when the sky was overcast or foggy, and when landmarks were not in sight. This enabled mariners to navigate safely far from land, increasing sea trade, and contributing to the Age of Discovery.

Why is a compass useful?

A compass is a navigational instrument for determining direction relative to the Earth's magnetic poles. It consists of a magnetized pointer (usually marked on the North end) free to align itself with Earth's magnetic field. The compass greatly improved the safety and efficiency of travel, especially ocean travel.

Who made the first compass?

Compass, China, 220 BCE By the time of the T'ang dynasty (7-8th century CE) , Chinese scholars had devised a way to magnetize iron needles, by rubbing them with magnetite, and then suspending them in water (early 11th century).

What is compass Short answer?

A compass is a tool for finding direction. A simple compass is a magnetic needle mounted on a pivot, or short pin. The needle, which can spin freely, always points north. The pivot is attached to a compass card. The compass card is marked with the directions.

How do you speak with a compass?

0:050:20How To Pronounce Compass - Pronunciation Academy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCompass compass compass compass thanks for watching if you like this video please subscribe to ourMoreCompass compass compass compass thanks for watching if you like this video please subscribe to our channel and help us pronounce.

How can you use a compass to find directions on Earth?

Compasses are mainly used in navigation to find direction on the earth. This works because the Earth itself has a magnetic field which is similar to that of a bar magnet (see the picture below). The compass needle aligns with the Earth's magnetic field direction and points north-south.

How did the ancient Chinese compass work?

One of the first recordings of using a compass for navigation was during the Northern Song dynasty (960 CE – 1126 CE). These compasses were made by floating a magnetized needle in water. The needle could move freely in the water and point to the earth's magnetic poles no matter the movement from the ship or boat.

Did the Vikings invent the compass?

Using the mineral magnetite (aka lodestone), which is abundant throughout Scandinavia, the Vikings invented one of the first magnetic compasses. The Chinese were the only other culture to have invented such a compass, possibly even earlier than the Vikings did.

How did the compass spread to the rest of the world?

The compass was eventually traded on to Europe, where it was worked upon and used by many scientists and sailors. At first, the compass helped Europeans navigate in the Mediterranean Sea and even in the English Channel, and it eventually helped them in sailing across the Atlantic, around Africa and to the Indian Ocean.

Who invented the compass in ancient China?

the Han dynastyAround 200 BCE, the Han dynasty in China produced the first-ever compass. It was used at the time by the Chinese for Feng Shui and later for building, farming and mining. These compasses contained naturally occurring magnetic mineral called magnetite.

How was the compass used before?

Before the introduction of the compass, geographical position and direction at sea were primarily determined by the sighting of landmarks, supplemented with the observation of the position of celestial bodies. Other techniques included sampling mud from the seafloor (China), analyzing the flight path of birds, and observing wind, sea debris, and sea state (Polynesia and elsewhere). Objects that have been understood as having been used for navigation by measuring the angles between celestial objects, were discovered in the Indus Valley site of Lothal. The Norse are believed to have used a type of sun compass to locate true north. On cloudy days, the Vikings may have used cordierite or some other birefringent crystal to determine the sun's direction and elevation from the polarization of daylight; their astronomical knowledge was sufficient to let them use this information to determine their proper heading. The invention of the compass made it possible to determine a heading when the sky was overcast or foggy, and when landmarks were not in sight. This enabled mariners to navigate safely far from land, increasing sea trade, and contributing to the Age of Discovery.

When was the compass invented?

The compass was invented in China during the Han Dynasty between the 2nd century BC and 1st century AD where it was called the "south-governor" or "South Pointing Fish" ( sīnán 司南 ). The magnetic compass was not, at first, used for navigation, but for geomancy and fortune-telling by the Chinese.

What was the first compass used for navigation?

The first recorded use of a 48 position mariner's compass on sea navigation was noted in The Customs of Cambodia by Yuan Dynasty diplomat Zhou Daguan, he described his 1296 voyage from Wenzhou to Angkor Thom in detail; when his ship set sail from Wenzhou, the mariner took a needle direction of “ding Wei” position, which is equivalent to 22.5 degree SW. After they arrived at Baria, the mariner took "Kun Shen needle", or 52.5 degree SW. Zheng He 's Navigation Map, also known as the " Mao Kun Map ", contains a large amount of detail "needle records" of Zheng He's expeditions.

What type of compass did the Chinese use?

The typical Chinese navigational compass was in the form of a magnetic needle floating in a bowl of water. According to Needham, the Chinese in the Song Dynasty and continuing Yuan Dynasty did make use of a dry compass, although this type never became as widely used in China as the wet compass.

What is the angle of a compass?

The angle increases in the clockwise position. North corresponds to 0°, so east is 90°, south is 180° and west is 270°. The compass was invented more than 2000 years ago. The first compasses were made of lodestone, a naturally magnetized stone of iron, in Han dynasty China (20 BC – 20 AD).

What is the meaning of the compass in the Song Dynasty?

A compass is a magnetometer used for navigation and orientation that shows direction in regards to the geographic cardinal points. For the structure of the compass, it will show the diagram called compass rose in showing the 4 main directions: East (E), South (S), West (W) and North (N).

When did the compass start?

In the Mediterranean, the introduction of the compass, at first only known as a magnetized pointer floating in a bowl of water, went hand in hand with improvements in dead reckoning methods, and the development of Portolan charts, leading to more navigation during winter months in the second half of the 13th century. While the practice from ancient times had been to curtail sea travel between October and April, due in part to the lack of dependable clear skies during the Mediterranean winter, the prolongation of the sailing season resulted in a gradual, but sustained increase in shipping movement; by around 1290 the sailing season could start in late January or February, and end in December. The additional few months were of considerable economic importance. For instance, it enabled Venetian convoys to make two round trips a year to the Levant, instead of one.

What is a compass?

A compass is a device that shows the cardinal directions used for navigation and geographic orientation. It commonly consists of a magnetized needle or other element, such as a compass card or compass rose, which can pivot to align itself with magnetic north.

When was the magnetic compass invented?

Among the Four Great Inventions, the magnetic compass was first invented as a device for divination as early as the Chinese Han Dynasty (since c. 206 BC), and later adopted for navigation by the Song Dynasty Chinese during the 11th century.

What is the most common type of compass?

Magnetic compass . The magnetic compass is the most familiar compass type. It functions as a pointer to " magnetic north ", the local magnetic meridian, because the magnetized needle at its heart aligns itself with the horizontal component of the Earth's magnetic field.

Why is a compass subject to errors?

A compass is also subject to errors when the compass is accelerated or decelerated in an airplane or automobile. Depending on which of the Earth's hemispheres the compass is located and if the force is acceleration or deceleration the compass will increase or decrease the indicated heading. Compasses that include compensating magnets are especially prone to these errors, since accelerations tilt the needle, bringing it closer or further from the magnets.

How reliable is a magnetic compass?

The magnetic compass is very reliable at moderate latitudes , but in geographic regions near the Earth's magnetic poles it becomes unusable. As the compass is moved closer to one of the magnetic poles, the magnetic declination, the difference between the direction to geographical north and magnetic north, becomes greater and greater. At some point close to the magnetic pole the compass will not indicate any particular direction but will begin to drift. Also, the needle starts to point up or down when getting closer to the poles, because of the so-called magnetic inclination. Cheap compasses with bad bearings may get stuck because of this and therefore indicate a wrong direction.

What degrees does a compass show?

Compasses often show angles in degrees: north corresponds to 0°, and the angles increase clockwise, so east is 90°, south is 180°, and west is 270°. These numbers allow the compass to show azimuths or bearings which are commonly stated in degrees. If local variation between magnetic north and true north is known, then direction of magnetic north also gives direction of true north.

Why is the local magnetic declination given on most maps?

The local magnetic declination is given on most maps, to allow the map to be oriented with a compass parallel to true north. The locations of the Earth's magnetic poles slowly change with time, which is referred to as geomagnetic secular variation.

Who invented the magnetic compass?

Over the centuries a number of technical improvements have been made in the magnetic compass. Many of these were pioneered by the English, whose large empire was kept together by naval power and who hence relied heavily upon navigational devices.

Why do magnetic compasses work?

The reason magnetic compasses work as they do is that the Earth itself acts as an enormous bar magnet with a north-south field that causes freely moving magnets to take on the same orientation.

How did the cards on the gimbals work?

A card with the points painted on it was mounted directly under the needle, permitting navigators to read their direction from the top of the card. The bowl itself was subsequently hung on gimbals (rings on the side that let it swing freely), ensuring that the card would always be level.

What is a mariner's compasses?

Modern mariners’ compasses are usually mounted in binnacles, cylindrical pedestals with provision for illuminating the compass face from below. Each binnacle contains specially placed magnets and pieces of steel that cancel the magnetic effects of the metal of the ship. Much the same kind of device is used aboard aircraft, except that, in addition, it contains a corrective mechanism for the errors induced in magnetic compasses when airplanes suddenly change course. The corrective mechanism is a gyroscope, which has the property of resisting efforts to change its axis of spin. This system is called a gyromagnetic compass.

What is a dry card compasses?

Some early compasses did not have water in the bowl and were known as dry-card compasses; their readings were easily disturbed by shocks and vibration. Although they were less affected by shock, liquid-filled compasses were plagued by leaks and were difficult to repair when the pivot became worn.

What is the primary device for direction-finding on the surface of the Earth?

compass, in navigation or surveying, the primary device for direction-finding on the surface of the Earth. Compasses may operate on magnetic or gyroscopic principles or by determining the direction of the Sun or a star.

Where was the compass needle mounted?

By the 13th century the compass needle had been mounted upon a pin standing on the bottom of the compass bowl. At first only north and south were marked on the bowl, but then the other 30 principal points of direction were filled in.

What is a compass used for?

It is used for navigation and orientation.

When did China use compasses?

In the 12th century, China navy uses compasses for navigation but there is evidence that compasses were used by the Chinese military for navigational orienteering by 1040 during the Song Dynasty.

What is a liquid compass?

The liquid compass is a type of a compass for navigation in which the magnetized needle or card is immersed in the fluid which gives more stable reading.

What was the first manmade compasse?

First manmade compasses were so-called “south pointing spoons”, compasses where a lodestone needle was made in a form of spoon so it could turn on the smooth surface and whose “handle” pointed south.

What is a magnetic compass?

A bearing compass is a magnetic compass that is used to measure bearing: the angle between its forward direction (the most commonly North), and the direction from it to some other object.

When was the first dry mariner's compass invented?

The First dry mariner's compass was invented in Europe around 1300. It has three major elements. The first one is freely pivoting needle which stands on a pin and is enclosed in a box that has a glass cover and a windrose that has cardinal directions - North, East, South and West. That box is placed inside a gimbal so it can rotate freely and that system in another gimbal. That way box that holds magnetic needle can always stay horizontal if weighted on the bottom.

When did the compass come out?

How compass spread across the world is a matter for debate. Written evidence tells that compass appeared in Europe in 1190 and in the Muslim world later, in 1232 which is weird but there are no written proofs that would tell otherwise, at least for now. Today there are many versions of compass which are used for navigation and orientation ...

How long ago was the compass used?

Even then it was not used for navigation but for geomancy. 900 years later it was used in astronomy and for orientation and for same purposes is used still.

What was the purpose of the compass in the 13th century?

Islamic world imported compass during the 13th century and used it for the same purposes as the rest of the world: astronomy and seafaring. They also invented a type of the compass for use in prayers. They made a dry compass for use as a "Qibla (Kabba) indicator" to find the direction to Mecca for their daily prayers.

What was the first compass made of?

Earliest compasses were made of lodestone, a particular form of the mineral magnetite. The first compass was a lump of lodestone that was tied to a rope and left to hang freely.

What was the main part of the compass?

Its main part was a wooden turtle which had lodestone in it which was fixed with wax and had a needle sticking out. Wooden turtle balanced on a bamboo needle, which allowed it to rotate freely and the needle pointed north. In the 12th century compass appeared in Europe.

How many points does the Western compass have?

Western and Arab compass has 32 defined points on its rose-of-winds. Eastern has 24 and 48 points.

What are some facts about compass?

Compass Facts. Compasses differ according to purpose, complexity, materials and some solutions that were used to solve some problems that could appear during their use. They also changed during the history, from the moment they were invented.

When was the first compass invented?

The First compass was invented in China during the Han Dynasty between the 2nd century BC and 1st century AD, (we don’t know precisely when).

Why are compasses used?

Wrapping Up. As a tool for navigation, compasses have been used for thousands of years. They’re practical and functional, always pointing north and allowing those who are lost to find their way or those on a journey to maintain their path. Due to this use, compasses have gained symbolic meanings as well. They’re no longer just a practical tool – ...

Why is the compass important?

As a functional and practical tool, the compass has been used for millennia. Even today, with all the modern navigational tools available, the compass remains a highly useful and relevant tool. In fact, many travelers, mountaineers, hikers and campers, still use the compass to find direction. As a symbol, the compass is deeply meaningful, symbolizing many concepts such as inspiration, guidance, protection, safety and adventure.

What does a compass represent?

Compasses represent motivation and inspiration . As a symbol, the compass signifies bringing motivation to a person feeling lost. It gives a sense of hope and inspires you to follow your heart and your rightful path. Also, compasses always point North, a direction which symbolizes progress, betterment and inspiration.

What is the most common way to keep the symbol close?

Compass pendant – this is probably the most common way to keep the symbol close. It has a certain class and charm. The symbol can be stylized to suit maximalist, glamorous designs or petite, minimalist styles.

What does the compass mean?

Together, the word compass means to step together or to journey together. This is a symbolic and beautiful, making the compass a symbol of journeys and travels. The compass represents a safe and smooth journey.

What is the symbol for the compass?

Apart from its design as a navigational instrument, the compass is often portrayed as a symbol, known as the compass rose. This image is typically used on maps and charts to display the orientation of the cardinal directions, i.e. north, south, east and west. This symbol is often stylized and used in jewelry and fashion.

What is a good symbol for gifts?

The compass symbol is also an excellent choice for gifts. It makes for symbolic gifts, especially for the following occasions:

What were the early compasses called?

Some early compasses did not have water in the bowl and were known as dry-card compasses; their readings were easily disturbed by shocks and vibration. Although they were less affected by shock, liquid-filled compasses were plagued by leaks and were difficult to repair when the pivot became worn. Neither the liquid nor the dry-card type was decisively advantageous until 1862, when the first liquid compass was made with a float on the card that took most of the weight off the pivot. A system of bellows was invented to expand and contract with the liquid, preventing most leaks. With these improvements, liquid compasses made dry-card compasses obsolete by the end of the 19th century.

Who invented the magnetic compass?

Antique magnetic compass. In 1745 Gowin Knight, an English inventor, developed a method of magnetizing steel in such a way that it would retain its magnetization for long periods of time; his improved compass needle was bar-shaped and large enough to bear a cap by which it could be mounted on its pivot.

What is the deflection of a compass needle due to local magnetic influences called?

The deflection of a compass needle due to local magnetic influences is called deviation. Over the centuries a number of technical improvements have been made in the magnetic compass.

What is a mariner's compasses?

Modern mariners’ compasses are usually mounted in binnacles, cylindrical pedestals with provision for illuminating the compass face from below. Each binnacle contains specially placed magnets and pieces of steel that cancel the magnetic effects of the metal of the ship. Much the same kind of device is used aboard aircraft, except that, in addition, it contains a corrective mechanism for the errors induced in magnetic compasses when airplanes suddenly change course. The corrective mechanism is a gyroscope, which has the property of resisting efforts to change its axis of spin. This system is called a gyromagnetic compass.

Why do magnetic compasses work?

The reason magnetic compasses work as they do is that Earth itself acts as an enormous bar magnet with a north-south field that causes freely moving magnets to take on the same orientation. The direction of Earth’s magnetic field is not quite parallel to the north-south axis of the globe, but it is close enough to make an uncorrected compass ...

What is the name of the instrument that determines the direction of the Earth's magnetic field?

Magnetic compass, in navigation or surveying, an instrument for determining direction on the surface of Earth by means of a magnetic pointer that aligns itself with Earth’s magnetic field. The magnetic compass is the oldest and most familiar type of compass and is used in different forms in aircraft, ships, and land vehicles and by surveyors.

How did the cards on the gimbals work?

A card with the points painted on it was mounted directly under the needle, permitting navigators to read their direction from the top of the card. The bowl itself was subsequently hung on gimbals (rings on the side that let it swing freely), ensuring that the card would always be level.

When were liquid compasses invented?

The first liquid compasses specifically made for aircraft were introduced in 1909 but, although practical, were very rudimentary. It was only until the 1930s when liquid compasses made for aircraft became practical, with the compass only requiring four seconds to settle compared to over 30 seconds of previous models.

What is a magnetic compass?

A magnetic compass is a self-contained system that does not require electricity and is often used as an emergency or standby instrument. The magnetic compass involves two simple magnetic bars suspended in liquid (usually a liquid similar to kerosene). The liquid assists in keeping the magnets stable while allowing them to rotate freely. Attached to the magnets is afloat, which looks similar to a frisbee. The float allows the compass fluid to dampen out any unwanted movement of the magnets. Attached to the float is a compass card with marked directions, usually with the zeros removed (e.g., 33 instead of 330).

Why does the compass dip toward the nearest pole?

The compass will tend to dip toward the closest magnetic pole due to the inclination of the flux lines. This error is most pronounced close to the poles because the flux lines become more “vertical” (in relation to the Earth’s surface) closer to the poles. At the equator, the flux lines are parallel with the surface of the Earth, minimizing these errors.

How is deviation compensated for?

The deviation is compensated for by measuring the difference between the compass’s indicated magnetic heading and the actual magnetic heading measured by a different, calibrated compass. This procedure is called a “compass swing.” Using the compass swing procedure, the compass is adjusted using the compensator assembly. Any deviation that cannot be corrected is indicated by a “compass card” located in the cockpit, usually on the compass itself. This card indicates what the actual magnetic heading is versus the magnetic heading indicated by the compass for a given direction.

What is the difference between a heading indicator and a magnetic compass?

One of the primary distinctions between a heading indicator and a magnetic compass is that the compass appears to move in the opposite direction of the turn. For example, when flying due north, west is indicated right of the lubber line. This apparent backward motion is due to the compass housing remaining stationary while the aircraft effectively moves around it.

What is the purpose of a compensator on a compass?

A compensator assembly is mounted on the top or bottom of the compass, creating a magnetic field that reduces the influence of external magnetic fields. This assembly consists of two magnets fixed onto two shafts. A screwdriver is used to move these shafts into a specific position.

Why does the compass have an acceleration and deceleration error?

Due to the weight used to correct the magnetic dip, the compass experiences an acceleration and deceleration error.

Overview

Navigation prior to the compass

Geomancy and Feng Shui

Early navigational compass

Dry compass

Bearing compass

Liquid compass

Gyrocompass

Overview

Magnetic compass

Non-magnetic compasses

History

Modern compasses

Construction of a magnetic compass

Using a magnetic compass

See also