Inasmuch as the navigator must refer to True North, he must determine the angle or variation between True North and Magnetic North as indicated by his magnetic compass. This determination is made comparatively easy by using charts which express in degrees the difference between Magnetic North and True North for any point on the earth’s surface.
Such a chart is shown in Figure 3. Also on each chart used by a navigator for a particular locality there is marked a compass rose in which is recorded the variation for that exact spot as of a certain date, and in addition the rate at which the variation changes annually, Figure 4.
Navigation along a coast line where sights can be taken on buoys or lighthouses is simple, and is termed “piloting.” This, of course, can be done without the aid of a compass.
Upon getting to open sea the mariner checks his position in a similar manner, by observing the position of his ship in relation to the position of the sun, moon or stars. Between observations the position of a ship is determined by “dead reckoning.” The distance it has traveled from the last known position is measured by the ship’s log and the direction is indicated by the compass. Very often for days at a time, owing to weather conditions, it is impossible to get an observation or sight on a celestial body. During this run the navigator is dependent entirely upon the compass. The slightest error in the compass, due to variation or deviation, in such circumstances will cause the ship to be miles out of its course, and the actual position will be far from the calculated position.
The Santa Maria carried Columbus to the new world.
The Ideal Compass
F you were to conceive of a compass which would be free from all the troubles and errors found in most compasses, which would relieve you of all the worry and care the present compass requires, a compass which would be accurate and reliable, a compass which would be the Ideal Compass under all conditions, you would undoubtedly conceive of a compass that had the following characteristics: