Some compasses do not use Earth’s magnetism to indicate direction. The gyrocompass, invented in the early 20th century, uses a spinning gyroscope to follow Earth’s axis of rotation to point to true north. Since magnetic north is not measured, variation is not an issue. Once the gyroscope begins spinning, motion will not disturb it. This type of compass is often used on ships and aircraft. Compasses are usually made of metal or plastic, and consist of two "legs" connected by a hinge which can be adjusted to allow changing of the radius of the circle drawn. Typically one leg has a spike at its end for anchoring, and the other leg holds a drawing tool, such as a pencil, a short length of just pencil lead or sometimes a pen. Distances can be measured on a map using compasses with two spikes, also called a dividing compass (or just "dividers"). The hinge is set in such a way that the distance between the spikes on the map represents a certain distance in reality, and by measuring how many times the compasses fit between two points on the map the distance between those points can be calculated.

Other adaptations have been made to magnetic compasses over time, especially for their use in marine navigation. When ships evolved from being made of wood to being made of iron and steel, the magnetism of the ship affected compass readings. This difference is called deviation. Adjustments such as placing soft iron balls (called Kelvin spheres) and bar magnets (called Flinders bars) near the compass helped increase the accuracy of the readings. Deviation must also be taken into account on aircraft using compasses, due to the metal in the construction of an airplane. Compasses-and-straightedge constructions are used to illustrate principles of plane geometry. Although a real pair of compasses is used to draft visible illustrations, the ideal compass used in proofs is an abstract creator of perfect circles. The most rigorous definition of this abstract tool is the "collapsing compass"; having drawn a circle from a given point with a given radius, it disappears; it cannot simply be moved to another point and used to draw another circle of equal radius (unlike a real pair of compasses). Euclid showed in his second proposition (Book I of the Elements) that such a collapsing compass could be used to transfer a distance, proving that a collapsing compass could do anything a real compass can do.True North always sits at the top of the Earth. Magnetic North is not a fixed point and changes over time in response to the changes in the Earth’s core. It’s thought that it is situated around 1000 miles away in Canada. Nowadays, the GPS (Global Positioning System), which first began in the United States in 1973, is taking over from the traditional compass. GPS uses co-ordinates sent via satellites that are in orbit around the Earth. These signals are very accurate and reliable. Though many planes and ships still use advanced compasses for navigation. The pencil lead draws the circle on a particular paper or material. Alternatively, an ink nib or attachment with a technical pen may be used. The better quality compass, made of metal, has its piece of pencil lead specially sharpened to a "chisel edge" shape, rather than to a point.

At STAEDTLER, our product range includes a large selection of high-quality compasses. Our models are particularly sturdy, providing the ideal basis for creating precise drawings at school and in professional applications. We offer products that meet various requirements, from solid metal to sturdy plastic/metal designs. Our compasses are also available in compact sets with practical accessories. By the 15th century, explorers realized the “north” indicated by a compass was not the same as Earth’s true geographic north. This discrepancy between magnetic north and true north is called variation (by mariners or pilots) or magnetic declination (by land navigators) and varies depending on location. Variation is not significant when using magnetic compasses near the Equator, but closer to the North and South Poles, the difference is much greater and can lead someone many kilometers off-course. Navigators must adjust their compass readings to account for variation. There is also a needle at the bottom of one leg to secure the compass to a surface. At the end of the other leg, there is a replaceable lead for drawing circles or segments on paper. There are also models with an adapter for attaching a short pencil instead of the integrated lead. If you secure one leg to a surface, you can then determine the radius of a circle by setting the distance of the second leg. Case with hinged lid containing 1 compass, 1 sharpener 510 50, 1 eraser, 1 small pencil, 2 set squares, 1 ruler 15 cm and 1 protractorCase with hinged lid containing 1 precision compass with lead part, extension bar, universal adapter and spares box The screw through the hinge holds the two legs in position. The hinge can be adjusted, depending on desired stiffness; the tighter the hinge-screw, the more accurate the compass's performance. The better quality compass, made of plated metal, is able to be finely adjusted via a small, serrated wheel usually set between the legs (see the "using a compass" animation shown above) and it has a (dangerously powerful) spring encompassing the hinge. This sort of compass is often known as a "pair of Spring-Bow Compasses". Perhaps after this lesson the children will be able to use what they have learned and go on scavenger hunts or orienteering activities. The degree dial is the twistable dial surrounding the compass housing that displays all 360 degrees of the circle.

Magnetic compasses come in many forms. The most basic are portable compasses for use on casual hikes. Magnetic compasses can have additional features, such as magnifiers for use with maps, a prism or a mirror that allows you to see the landscape as you follow the compass reading, or markings in Braille for the visually impaired. The most complicated compasses are complex devices on ships or planes that can calculate and adjust for motion, variation, and deviation.

The Classroom-Themed Compass Directions Worksheets is a fab and fun worksheet that will help children get to grips with compass directions. During the 12th century, Europeans created the compass rose. It enabled the creation of the eight principal winds, which includes the four cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) plus the new intercardinal directions; North-East, South-East, South-West, North-West. The Fleur-de-lis is often used to mark North on a compass. It is believed to have evolved from the original mark which was a spearhead above the letter T, which stood for the Latin name for the North wind ‘Tramontana’. To put it simply, the compass is a tool which points out directions, such as North, South, East and West. These are also known as the cardinal directions.