Compass (Compass)

You're lost, you need to know your Cardinal points? Get off Compass (Compass)

The compass is an instrument which guides and which is based on the property of the magnetized needle. By means of a magnetic needle pointing magnetic north, which is different for each area of the planet, and differs from true north. Used as working medium terrestrial magnetism. The magnetic needle indicates the direction of Earth's magnetic field, pointing to the north and south poles. It is useless in the northern and southern polar regions, due to the convergence of the lines of force of the Earth's magnetic field.

Note that the mid-twentieth century, the magnetic compass began to be replaced by mainly in aircraft- gyrocompass and currently gyroscopes such compasses are calibrated by laser beams.

Today the compass is being replaced by more advanced and comprehensive navigation systems (GPS), providing more information and accuracy; however, it is still very popular in activities requiring high mobility or prevent, due to their nature, access to electricity, which depend on other systems.