answersLogoWhite

0

What is compass error?

Updated: 4/29/2024
User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

Best Answer

Compass error refers to a magnetic compasses natural tendencies to produce erroneous readings in certain circumstances. Sometimes this may be due to environmental effects such as proximity to a strong magnetic field. Compass error is also frequently the result of shortcomings or anomalies in the way compasses work.

Compass error due to environmental effects usually refers to an airplanes compass being drawn toward the magnetic fields generated by the aircrafts engines. This is called magnetic deviation. Additionally in some regions with high concentrations of iron in the soil, compasses may give all sorts of erroneous information.

Magnetic compass "variation" deals with the difference between the magnetic north pole (which magnetic compasses point to) and the true north pole (the actual geographical north pole.) While this difference may seem minor, magnetic variation can mean a difference of up to 4 or 5 degrees in some places.

In aviation, compasses may also give erroneous readings when turning or performing other maneuvers. This is due to the curvature of the earth combined with the fact that the compass needle wishes to point at the magnetic north pole. Since the earth is round, and the compass points to the magnetic north pole, the compass needle will in most cases be drawn to a point below the horizon from the users standpoint. This will cause the magnetic compass to precede when turning to a northern heading, and to lag when turning to a southern heading.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

2d ago

Compass error refers to the difference between the actual magnetic heading of a compass and the heading it indicates. It can be caused by various factors such as magnetic interference from the ship or aircraft it is installed on, deviation due to metal objects nearby, or variation caused by the difference between true north and magnetic north. Compass error needs to be regularly assessed and corrected to ensure accurate navigation.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is compass error?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Sociology

What is local attraction on compass survey?

The local attraction are the error affecting device available at near by the compass while doing surveying. the local attraction is the effect of the magnetic materials on the compass and gets the incorrect bearing.


How do you use prismatic compass?

To use a prismatic compass, first ensure it is set up correctly by adjusting the azimuth ring to align with magnetic north. Then, hold the compass level and sight your target through the prism while reading the azimuth on the compass dial. Ensure you compensate for any declination angle if needed.


What are the aims and objectives of compass survey?

The aims of a compass survey are to determine the magnetic bearing of a line and to set out accurate directions on the field. Its objectives include establishing a reference direction, determining the magnetic declination, and providing a basis for orienting maps and conducting navigation activities.


What are the sources of errors in compass survey?

Sources of errors in compass surveys include magnetic declination errors, local magnetic disturbances, poor compass calibration, incorrect reading of the compass, and human error in taking and recording measurements.


How local attraction affect the use of prismatic compass survey?

Local attractions such as buildings or metal objects can affect the accuracy of a prismatic compass survey by causing magnetic interference. This interference can lead to errors in compass readings and, consequently, inaccurate survey measurements. To minimize these effects, surveyors should identify and account for local attractions during their surveys, employing techniques such as taking multiple readings and using a declination correction.

Related questions

What does the abbreviation you I C E stand for in relation to the prismatic compass?

Individual Compass Error.


What is damping error in gyro compass?

This error is present in a compass which is damped in tilt. A compass damped in tilt always settles east of the meridian and above the horizon in NH, and vice-versa. Its magnitude depends on the observer's latitude, Sin( error ) α Tan( latitude ) At equator, the error is nil. The error is eastward in all northernly latitudes, and vice-versa. For the purpose of damping error, a latitude rider / adjuster is provided with the gyro compass which shifts the lubber line equal to the amount of error in the appropriate direction.


How do you get compass error?

You are over a large amount of magnetic material (Sewage pipes, a steel building, even a large wristwatch) or your compass needle is defective.


What is local attraction on compass survey?

The local attraction are the error affecting device available at near by the compass while doing surveying. the local attraction is the effect of the magnetic materials on the compass and gets the incorrect bearing.


Your compass faulty not point north?

A compass almost never points straight North. Aviation maps always show the amount of error for a given area. Errors can include your area, the proximity to ferrous materials. The quality of the compass and so on.


How do you eliminate local attraction?

The local attraction are the error affecting device available at near by the compass while doing surveying. the local attraction is the effect of the magnetic materials on the compass and gets the incorrect bearing.


How can Holmes tell Mr.Jabez Wilson uses snuff and is a freemason and has gone to china?

He sees a snuffbox in his pocket, a tattoo of a fish on his wrist which could only be done in China and an "arc-and-compass" (an error for "square and compass") breastpin indicating his Masonic membership.


What has the author P V Keenan written?

P. V. Keenan has written: 'Sources of compass error within the Aanderaa recording current meter'


How did Christopher Columbus use the cross staff for his exploration?

Columbus did indeed use a compass on his voyages; the compass (lodestone in its earliest incarnation) is arguably the oldest known navigational instrument. The problem is that compasses point to Magnetic North, not True North. Because of this, course errors are induced, and the degree and angle of error will change as position changes


Is gyrosyn compass a combination of magnetic compass and artificial horizon?

No,a Gyrosyn compass is a combination of a Magnetic compass and Direct reading compass.


How do you compass?

compass


Tool used to draw circles and arcs?

Compass compass compass