A Compass For Every Adventure Or Task

Different Tools For Finding Direction

There are more than just a few types of compasses to choose from when considering what you need to navigate.  First I will quickly define what a compass means for our purposes here.  Dictionary.com defines compass as- “an instrument for determining directions, as by means of a freely rotating magnetized needle that indicates magnetic north.”  As it turns out, there are actually many uses for compasses beyond navigation.

It is believed that the initial use of this device was intended as a tool for divination.  Oddly enough, it would take another 1,000-1,200 years before it would be adapted as a navigational tool in the 11th and 12th centuries.  Through the use of the Earth’s magnetic poles, a compass indicates direction.  The four cardinal directions used for reference are: North, South, East and West.  Markings for degrees can be found on some compasses as an additional feature.  

The compass is known as being one of the four great inventions to come out of China.  Gun powder, paper making and printing being the other three.  Use of the compass increased accuracy of orienteering and made navigating much easier than it was previously.

Magnetic Orienteering Compasses

Baseplate Compass

Card Compass

Lensatic Compass

Thumb Compass

Prismatic Compass

Gyrocompass

Electronic Compasses

Solid State Compass

Specific Purpose Compasses

Qibla Compass

Trough Compass

Interesting How Many Uses There Are

This post likely won’t cover all of the types in existence, but it does account for many of them.  From seeing which direction to pray towards, surveying land and even use in electronics, compasses are very important tools to mankind.   The use of compasses has cemented itself as vital for mankind for the foreseeable future.  Play around with one, learn how to use it and gain a skill you can use to know where you stand & where to go in the backcountry.