There are more than just a few types of compasses to choose from when considering what you need to navigate. \u00a0First I will quickly define what a compass means for our purposes here. \u00a0Dictionary.com defines compass as- “an instrument for determining directions, as by means of a freely rotating magnetized needle that indicates magnetic north.” \u00a0As it turns out, there are actually many uses for compasses beyond navigation.<\/span><\/p>\n It is believed that the initial use of this device was intended as a tool for divination. \u00a0Oddly 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. \u00a0Through the use of the Earth’s magnetic poles, a compass indicates direction. \u00a0The four cardinal directions used for reference are: North, South, East and West. \u00a0Markings for degrees can be found on some compasses as an additional feature. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The compass is known as being one of the four great inventions to come out of China. \u00a0Gun powder, paper making and printing being the other three. \u00a0Use of the compass increased accuracy of orienteering and made navigating much easier than it was previously.<\/p>\n Baseplate Compass<\/p>\n Card Compass<\/p>\n Lensatic Compass<\/p>\n Thumb Compass<\/p>\n Prismatic Compass<\/p>\n Gyrocompass<\/p>\n Solid State Compass<\/p>\n Qibla Compass<\/p>\n Trough Compass<\/p>\n This post likely won’t cover all of the types in existence, but it does account for many of them. \u00a0From seeing which direction to pray towards, surveying land and even use in electronics, compasses are very important tools to mankind. \u00a0 The use of compasses has cemented itself as vital for mankind for the foreseeable future. \u00a0Play 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Magnetic Orienteering Compasses<\/h2>\n
Electronic Compasses<\/h2>\n
Specific Purpose Compasses<\/h2>\n
Interesting How Many Uses There Are<\/h2>\n