magnetic compass: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Facts

Also Known As	mariners compass

Photos

magnetic compass

magnetic compass

A diagram shows a simple compass made by sticking a magnetized steel needle through a cork, which floats in a dish of water; the needle aligns north-south as labeled.

Open antique brass magnetic compass with a decorative compass rose, showing cardinal directions and degree markings, and a hinged lid to the side.

A mariner's compass card showing a full circle of cardinal and intercardinal directions, with degree markings and labeled points radiating outward, used for navigation with a magnetic compass.

See All Images →

Topics

compass card northerly turning error swirl error lubber’s line binnacle inductor compass gyromagnetic compass Flinders bar saturable-inductor compass geomagnetic field gyrocompass theodolite solar compass surveyor’s level surveyor’s chain coastline paradox photogrammetry triangulation trilateration

Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic

navigation: The magnetic compass