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compass rose

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compass rose
compass rose Many maps have symbols and features that help the user understand what is being shown. The compass rose, used to show directions, is located on the bottom left of this map.

A compass rose is a circle printed on a chart that shows direction, graduated to degrees or quarters. Before magnetic compasses, it served as a guide on mariners' charts to indicate the directions of the eight principal winds.12

The earliest known wind roses appeared on navigation charts in the 13th century. These early wind roses marked the eight points with the initials of the principal winds. When magnetic compasses became common, the wind rose was integrated with the compass and used as a compass card.2

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2 Britannica Sources
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  2. wind rose

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