It typically consists of a magnetized needle or another element, such as a compass card or compass rose, that pivots to align itself with magnetic north. Other methods may be used, including gyroscopes, magnetometers, and GPS receivers.
A compass is an instrument used for navigation and orientation that shows direction relative to the geographic cardinal directions (or points). Usually, a diagram called a compass rose shows the directions north, south, east, and west on the compass face as abbreviated initials.
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Hold the compass horizontally and rotate the bezel until the magnetic needle aligns with the red arrow mark on the base of the compass. The direction indicated by the direction line on the base of the compass is magnetic north.
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.
Because a solar compass is not affected by iron metal deposits or location relative to the poles, a solar compass can be more accurate than a magnetic compass, particularly near the poles. The most common method is to use a compass card and the angle of the shadow of the sun to indicate direction.