What Is the Compass Rose on a World Map?

A compass rose indicates the cardinal directions on a map. These directions are aligned with map north and are used to orient the map with actual surroundings. Most compass roses indicate at least the cardinal directions and the ordinal directions.

Origin

The compass rose is derived from the wind rose. It was called a rose due to the arrows appearing like a flower.

Wind Rose Markings

The wind rose was marked with 32 arrows called winds, half-winds, and quarter-winds.

Cardinal Directions

The cardinal directions are north, south, east, and west.

Ordinal Directions

The ordinal directions are northeast, northwest, southwest, and southeast.

Orienting the Map

Orienting a map involves determining north on the ground (by compass or other means) and then rotating the map so that the north on the map is aligned with north on the ground.

References

• Origins of the Compass Rose
• Wind Rose