compass evolution

The Invention of the Compass

The invention of the compass permanently alters how we explore the globe. Prior to the invention of the compass, all geographical positions and directions at sea were determined solely by landmarks. The citation of the positions of the celestial bodies was added to the list of landmarks. Other means, in addition to landmarks and celestial bodies, may have been used by the Vikings to assess the height and trajectory of the sun from the act of daylight experiencing polarization. Cordierite and birefringent crystal may have been used by the Vikings. Therefore, the discovery of the compass enabled the easy determination of the heading especially during the times when the sky was foggy and also when land markers could not be sighted.

Intensified Research on Magnetism

The engineers intensified their research on magnetism by carrying out experiments of mounting the compass needle and placing them at the central point of the card which displayed the cardinal directions. These directions are north, south, east, and west. Later on, a discrepancy in the accuracy of the compass readings arose because of the variation of the true north and the magnetic north. The variations were identified to be more significant in the regions closer to the North and South poles. Therefore, the engineers designed the magnetic compass with the ability to adjust it to account for the variations brought about by the changes in latitudes.

The Impact of the Compass

The breakthrough of the invention of the compass made a significant change in the people’s lives in the manner in which they navigate direction in the sea. The compass made navigation easier because there was no more use of landmarks and celestial bodies whose sighting was problematic in foggy weather. Therefore, there was an increase in the safety of the seafarers and the volumes of sea trades. However, there was a drawback of the discrepancies brought about by variations in the magnetic and geographic norths which reduces the accuracy of the compass.

Modern Navigation Tools

The creation of the magnetic compass paved the way for the invention of the satellites and GPS. These are modern forms of locating the positions just like what the ancient mariners did with the magnetic compass. The current satellites and GPS increased the accuracy and navigability of the sailors and the pilots in the transportation sector. The contemporary navigation tools are much more sophisticated as they not only show direction but also record the positions of given locations regarding coordinates and height above sea level.

Bibliography

VARDALAS, JOHN. “A History of the Magnetic Compass.” This navigational instrument led to advances in trade, military might, and science 11, no. 8 (November 8, 2013). doi:10.1111/hic3.v11.8. http://theinstitute.ieee.org/tech-history/technology-history/a-history-of- the-magnetic-compass