A Compass is an important and a widely used navigational instrument for finding directions on Earth. It was developed in China almost eighteen hundred years ago.

Construction of a Compass
The instrument consists of a magnetized pointer free to move and align itself accurately with Earth's magnetic field. The cardinal points being north, south, east and west. It is sometimes used with a clock and a sextant for accurate navigation capability. The instrument has significantly improved maritime trade by making traveling safer and more efficient.

Types of Compass

• Navigational Compass: Navigational compass consist of a magnetic needle inside a fluid- filled capsule, which in turn makes the needle stop quickly around the magnetic north.
• Gyrocompass: This type of compass is used to ascertain true north. The instrument is used on ships to find North by using an electrically powered and driven spinning wheel.

Use of a Compass

• Navigation
• Educational Laboratory
• Marine Industry
• Aeroplanes