The 32 points of a compass are a detailed subdivision of the cardinal and intercardinal directions into smaller increments. These points include the four primary directions (North, East, South, West), the four intercardinal directions (NE, SE, SW, NW), and additional intermediate points such as NNE, ENE, ESE, SSE, SSW, WSW, WNW, and NNW, among others. Each point represents a specific angle, typically measured in degrees from true north, allowing for precise navigation and orientation. This system enhances directional accuracy for activities like sailing, hiking, and map reading.
32 points
They are known as points. North, South, East and West are cardinal points. Commonly the compass is divided into 32 equally spaced points.
The number of points will depend upon the type of compass rose you have. The most simplistic compass rose has four points, while the most common is the eight-pointed compass rose. However, there are some with 16- and 32-points.
The magnetic compass was invented in Ancient China. the maritime type came out around the time of Columbus, with the time honored 32 points .
4 Basic (Cardinal) Points of a Compass
what do you call the points of a compass
The cardinal points of the compass are North, East, South and West. Another name for them is the cardinal directions.
Compass
cardinal points
Compass points are officially known as cardinal points. They are North, South, East and West. They are the general points of direction used all over the world.
The main points on a compass are the Cardinal points - North, East, South and West.The next most important points are those between the Cardinal points.... these are North-East, South-East, South-West and North-West.Traditionally there are 32 named compass points they are as follows;NorthNorth by eastNorth-northeastNortheast by northNortheastNortheast by eastEast-northeastEast by northEastEast by southEast-southeastSoutheast by eastSoutheast SESoutheast by southSouth-southeastSouth by eastSouthSouth by westSouth-southwestSouthwest by southSouthwestSouthwest by westWest-southwestWest by southWestWest by northWest-northwestNorthwest by westNorthwestNorthwest by northNorth-northwestNorth by west
360