Uses for a Marine Compass

Marine compasses are used by travelers to find their position relative to the Earth's poles. A magnetic mechanism inside the compass reacts with the electronically charged poles to show directions.

Heading

Marine compasses can be used to chart and correct where a vessel is headed. Compasses point "true north" or toward the North Pole of the Earth's axis.

Determining Latitude

Marine compasses can be used with a sighter, a tool used to measure objects on the horizon, to calculate latitude.

Determining Longitude

Marine compasses can be used with a timekeeping tool called a marine chronometer to compute the longitude of a ship at sea.

Detouring

The marine compass can be used to take detours off a charted course, due to squalls or rough water.

History

Compasses were invented by the Chinese in the 1st century. It was adapted for marine use in the 11th century.

Significance

The invention of the marine compass exponentially improved travel. The compass made paths timelier by allowing sailors to correct their paths and also gave sailors the option of charting a course detour while heading in the same direction.