It uses a magnetic needle to point to the earth's magnetic North Pole. The only other type of compass used is a gyro-compass. This uses a wheel which rotates parallel with the earth's rotation.
It is the oldest instrument for navigation and has been a vital tool for navigators at sea for centuries. The compass allows ships to steer a selected course. By taking bearings of visible objects...
A magnetic compass has a needle mounted in a way that allows it to turn freely. Tis needle always lines up with Earth's magnetic field and points toward magnetic north. The needle is set over a...