I have followed this thread with interest.
Unless I missed it, no one yet has described how a compass actually works.
Likely most of the technical people know this, but some may not, unless
they have been intimately involved with the compass.
> PLEASE! Do not allow yourself to become confused over this issue!!!
Wishful thinking......
>
> The "North SEEKING Pole" of a compass will point to the North Pole of
> the Earth, and also to the North pole of a magnet.
While this appears to be correct and logical, it is not true !
The compass, in most areas of the earth does not point to the North Pole of
the earth.
Instead, the compass needle aligns itself with the magnetic field of the earth.
This is why we have the terms, Grid North, Magnetic North, True North, and
Magnetic Declination.
The error of the compass can be 5, 10 15 or more degrees due to the way it
works, paralleling the magnetic lines of the earth. Typically, one will
refer to a map, chart, or other reliable source to find out the exact
angle of adjustment.
As one moves east or west on the earth, the compass must be adjusted for
this error. If one was planning to use his compass for several miles of
navigation, this better be done right. Not doing so, could get you lost and
cost you your life.
When I was hunting in Colorado, seems the magnetic error was 14
degrees. Most good compasses have an external adjustment and it is very
easy to adjust. Don't economize on your compass.
Do your homework. Making a mistake in the wilderness can be fatal, in more
ways than one.
I agree, this is mostly academic to the masses. The few that need to know
it, usually do.
Wayne
