Magnetic Compass Diagram

Magnetic declination changes over time and with location.

Magnetic compass diagram. Magnetic compass in navigation or surveying an instrument for determining direction on the surface of earth by means of a magnetic pointer that aligns itself with earth s magnetic field. The magnetic compass is the most familiar compass type. One end of the needle always point north and is painted red.

It functions as a pointer to magnetic north the local magnetic meridian because the magnetized needle at its heart aligns itself with the horizontal component of the earth s magnetic field the magnetic field exerts a torque on the needle pulling one end or pole of the needle approximately toward the earth s north magnetic. Since the auto helm is steering the ship there is no difficulty in making the steering magnetic compass show the same heading as the standard magnetic compass in which event the deviation at both compasses has been reduced to zero provided that the lubber. Using a compass set up to measure magnetic bearings the bearing to the target measured with the compass would be 55.

A compass is a navigational instrument for determining direction relative to the earth s magnetic poles it consists of a magnetized pointer usually marked on the north end free to align itself with earth s magnetic field the compass greatly improved the safety and efficiency of travel especially ocean travel. Compass and magnetic bearings are made to be the same namely 111 m in this case. Magnetic declination sometimes called magnetic variation is the angle between magnetic north and true north.

Magnetic compass has compass rose or a windrose which is used to display the orientation of the cardinal directions. Magnetic compass example magnetic compass works on the directive property of a magnet. Shown on the diagram in blue.

The magnetic compass is the oldest type of compass and is used in aircraft ships and land vehicles and by surveyors. It is used for navigation purposes. Declination is positive east of true north and negative when west.

North east south and west and their intermediate points. The difference between the grid bearing and the magnetic bearing is the 15 angle shown in green. It can have between 4 and 32 points.