0
True North
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What is relation between GPS and magnetic field?
There is no relationship between GPS (Global Positioning System) and magnetic fields. The GPS system is based on a network of satellites that provide a reference datum that is based on position, regardless of magnetic field.
What is the best GPS trackers for car?
MOTOsafety GPS Tracker
How does a magnetic field help us find your way?
Roughly speaking, what is happening in the interior of the earth probably causes a circulating current, which according to Maxwell's equations, will generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field, by convention, emerges out of a region very near the true north pole and returns to a region very near the true south pole. The magnetic north spot moves with time quite randomly, but if you are away from the arctic circle, the difference between the true North and the magnetic North is not significant. So far, we have desrcibed the existence of the earth's magnetic field (Please see the related link for a apparent shape of the field). On the other hand, some materials (for example, iron and cobalt) that are ferromagnetic exist (Please see the related link). These materials have basically made of atomic-size magnets inside. When these materials are made into a simple machine (a simple light-weight balance with a pivot at the center) supported on a fulcrum so that the bar can rotate freely, the tiny magnets will try to align themselves with the earth's magnetic field. Another method is to let the rod float on water and it too will align with the earth's magnetic field. What has just described is a compass. If we know approximately where is the magnetic North and know where we are at the moment, we can move to where we want to go with the aid of a map and a compass. If the "compass" has no marking to indicate North, we can, during the day, use the sun and the time of the day to tell which direction is North on the compass, and during the night, the star map. Regardless, the combination of a GPS system and gyro is now available to guide you wherever you are (in an urban area surrounding by high rises or inside a vault with no GPS signals), with much higher precision than using a compass. ================
How can a explorer tell when he is at the north pole?
Nowadays it is easy because of GPS, but in the olden days they had to use real navigation techniques with sextants and magnetic variation charts.
How can a compass help you tell directions?
If they have lodging , many places people go to hike are built facing north so they can locate their way back. For example "the Bristol hiking centre" is built in a woods people hike in. if people get lost they can go there, or they can go just for a cup of coffee.Note:Unless you need GPS accuracy, an ordinary compass can keep you safely oriented in relation to the cardinal points, and perhaps more importantly, it can keep you oriented in relation to your starting point. Under normal conditions, the direction of true north is less important. You need to know the general direction of the nearest highway, or how to get yourself back to your starting point.
What is the compass is used for today?
Navigation ! Even though we have GPS systems - a compass is ONLY reliant on the magnetic field of the earth. An electro-magnetic pulse could knock out ALL the GPS satellites - yet the earth's magnetic field will always be here !
How would the travelers find the exact magnetic pole?
using a compass and not a GPS
How is GPS better than a compass?
A GPS uses satellites to show your exact position on a hand-held device. A compass point towards magnetic north, from which, using a map, you can take bearing of distant points to work out your position, or work out your direction of travel.Both are important tools to navigation - provided the GPS device's battery doesn't go flat!
What are the disadvantages with using a compass?
A compass is made to point at relative north not exact north. Relative north is a place inGreenland where there is a strong magnetic pull, and because of weathering and changes in the earth it moves every so often. Exact north is in outer space and is the north star. However it is obviously not magnetic therefore there are not magnetic compasses that point to exact north. Digital compasses such as ones you could find on cell phones or other GPS devices are probably the best thing to use if you are trying to go exact north otherwise a regular compass is good enough for directions and scouting.
How do sailors today navigate?
In most cases a compass, however true north may be interfered by stray magnetic fields they may use a Gyrocompass or Astrocompass as these have a stronger focused function in finding true north. Recent developments include electronic and fibreoptic gyrocompasses.
Can 2 satellites run gps?
If your hand-held receiver only hears 2 GPS satellites, then it'll indicate a location, but what it indicates won't be accurate or reliable.
What is effect of using a gps instead of a compass?
A compass - can only indicate a direction to travel. A GPS receiver - can not only show you which direction to go, but how far away you are from your destination.
