A compass is a device that shows the cardinal directions used for navigation and geographic orientation. It commonly consists of a magnetized needle or other element, such as a compass card or compass rose, which can pivot to align itself with magnetic north. Other methods may be used, including gyroscopes, magnetometers, and GPS receivers.
A modern military compass, with included sight device for aligning
Model of a lodestone compass from Han dynasty
A liquid-filled protractor or orienteering compass with lanyard
Cammenga air filled lensatic compass
Navigation is a field of study that focuses on the process of monitoring and controlling the movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another. The field of navigation includes four general categories: land navigation, marine navigation, aeronautic navigation, and space navigation.
A navigation system on an oil tanker
Manual navigation through Dutch airspace
Radar ranges and bearings can be used to determine a position.
Poor passage planning and deviation from the plan can lead to groundings, ship damage and cargo loss.