Hello to all lovers of cardinal orientation and compasses!
What is cardinal orientation?
Cardinal orientation is the way to determine the position of a place or a person in relation to the cardinal points: north , south, east and west.
This is especially useful in situations where we need to orient ourselves, such as when we are hiking or traveling to an unknown place .
How do compasses work?
Compasses work thanks to the magnetization of the Earth.
The magnetic north pole of the Earth acts like a magnet and causes the compass needle to orient itself towards it .
This is how we can determine the direction of north.
↗️ How to use a compass?
Using a compass is very simple. You just have to follow these steps:
- Place the compass on a flat surface and make sure the needle is free of vibrations.
- Identify magnetic north on the compass. It is usually marked with the letter “N” or a red arrow.
- Position your body so that the magnetic north of the compass coincides with true north (which is the point where the North Pole is located).
- Now you know which direction you are going.
Do you already know what the cardinal points are? I reveal to you how to find them even without using a compass. For example, guiding us with the stars.
On a general level, the compass is used to orient yourself… right? I explain 3 different VERSIONS of what a compass is. Discover its real use ✅
Are you curious to know why the Sun shines? Or how it really sets at night? If you want to know where the Sun rises and much more…
The compass is an instrument for orientation that indicates north through a magnetic needle. It consists of 7 parts. ✅ DISCOVER THEM
Understand at once the meaning of the solar compass and its operation. What a solar compass is for: Find out here. ✅
The compass has made it possible to discover routes and historical civilizations by sea. Find out who invented the compass, where and when. ✅
I teach you how to know the orientation of my house and get it right. What to take into account if it is a humid, warm, dry, cold climate, etc. ✅ Find out
In order for you to use an online compass on your mobile, it must include a magnetometer that measures the strength and direction of magnetic fields.
Google Maps includes a compass icon, just below the mute voice option. It allows you to know where north is. How to activate it?
Learning to use the sports orienteering compass and orient yourself with a map and compass is vital for going into nature. How to do it?
❌ Cardinal points are not useful at the North Pole
Although compasses are very useful, they have a small drawback: they do not work at the North Pole.
Yes, you read that right! There, the compass needle goes crazy and doesn’t know where to point.
But don’t worry, if you ever get the chance to go to the North Pole, you can always ask the polar bears for directions. They always know where to go!
I hope you have enjoyed this little review of cardinal orientation and compasses. It never hurts to have one in your pocket, just in case!