Checking the direction of your home is easy with a compass. It can be important for many reasons. You might want to set up your furniture according to Vastu Shastra or Feng Shui. You might need to know which way your home faces for gardening or installing solar panels. Here is a detailed guide on how to check the direction of your home using a compass.
What is a Compass?
A compass is a tool that shows direction. It has a magnetic needle that always points north. You can buy a physical compass from a store. Many smartphones also have compass apps. You can use either for this purpose.
Steps to Use a Compass
Follow these steps to find the direction of your home with a compass:
- Get a Compass: First, get a compass. You can buy one from a store. You can also download a compass app on your smartphone.
- Calibrate Your Compass: If you are using a smartphone app, make sure to calibrate it. Follow the instructions on the app. This ensures the compass is accurate.
- Stand at Your Front Door: Stand inside your home at the front door. Face outward as if you are about to step outside.
- Hold the Compass Properly: Hold the compass flat in your hand. Make sure it is level. If it tilts, the reading may not be accurate.
- Wait for the Needle to Settle: Let the needle stop moving. It will point to magnetic north. This may take a few seconds.
- Read the Compass: Look at the direction where the front of your home faces. The compass will have markings for north (N), south (S), east (E), and west (W). It may also have intermediate directions like northeast (NE), northwest (NW), southeast (SE), and southwest (SW).
- Record the Direction: Note the direction your home faces. For example, if the front of your home faces east, write it down.
Tips for Accurate Reading
- Avoid Metal Objects: Metal can interfere with the compass needle. Stand away from metal objects like cars or metal fences.
- Stay Away from Electronics: Electronics can also affect the compass. Move away from phones, laptops, and other electronic devices.
- Check the Weather: High winds or storms can sometimes affect compass readings. Try to check the direction on a calm day.
Using a Smartphone Compass App
If you use a smartphone app, the steps are similar but with a few differences:
- Download a Compass App: Search for a compass app in your phone’s app store. Download and install it.
- Open the App: Open the compass app on your phone.
- Calibrate if Needed: Some apps may need calibration. Follow the app’s instructions.
- Hold the Phone Flat: Hold your phone flat in your hand. Make sure it is level.
- Let the App Settle: Wait for the app to stabilize. It will point north.
- Read the Direction: Look at the direction your phone shows. The app will have the same markings as a physical compass.
Top 10 Compass Apps for Android and iOS
July 2, 2024 – Compass apps are handy tools that can turn your smartphone into a navigation device. Whether you’re hiking, traveling, or simply want to find the direction of your home, these apps can be incredibly useful. Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 compass apps available for Android and iOS devices.
1. Compass by AppAspect Technologies
Android Rating: 4.6
iOS Rating: 4.5
Features: Compass calibration, magnetic and true north, location coordinates, and a stylish design.
2. Compass 360 Pro Free
Android Rating: 4.5
iOS Rating: Not available
Features: Simple interface, magnetic and true north readings, and displays latitude and longitude.
3. Compass Galaxy
Android Rating: 4.4
iOS Rating: Not available
Features: Shows device orientation, magnetic and true north, coordinates, and sunrise/sunset times.
4. Digital Compass
Android Rating: 4.3
iOS Rating: Not available
Features: Digital display with magnetic and true north readings, coordinates, and altitude information.
5. Compass Steel 3D
Android Rating: 4.2
iOS Rating: Not available
Features: 3D compass with accurate readings, location coordinates, and a stylish design.
6. Smart Compass
Android Rating: 4.1
iOS Rating: Not available
Features: Shows magnetic and true north, location coordinates, and supports multiple languages.
7. Compass by iVogel
Android Rating: 4.0
iOS Rating: 4.4
Features: Simple compass with magnetic and true north, location coordinates, and a user-friendly interface.
8. Commander Compass
Android Rating: Not available
iOS Rating: 4.6
Features: Advanced compass with GPS coordinates, altitude, speedometer, and star finder.
9. Compass 55
Android Rating: 3.9
iOS Rating: Not available
Features: Stylish design, magnetic and true north readings, and location coordinates.
10. Compass Pro
Android Rating: 3.8
iOS Rating: 4.3
Features: Professional-grade compass with magnetic and true north, coordinates, and altitude.
How Compass Apps Work
Compass apps use the magnetic sensor in your smartphone to detect the Earth’s magnetic field. They provide readings for both magnetic north (based on the magnetic poles) and true north (based on geographic poles). Some apps also integrate GPS to provide more accurate location-based information.
Top 10 Compass Makers companies
July 2, 2024 – Compasses are essential tools for navigation, used in various industries from outdoor adventures to military operations. Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 compass makers renowned for their precision, innovation, and reliability.
1. Silva
Founded: 1933
Headquarters: Sweden
Specialty: Silva is known for its high-quality orienteering and navigation compasses. They offer a range of compasses for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals.
2. Suunto
Founded: 1936
Headquarters: Finland
Specialty: Suunto produces compasses integrated into their sports watches and standalone compasses. They are known for their durability and accuracy.
3. Brunton
Founded: 1894
Headquarters: USA
Specialty: Brunton manufactures a wide range of navigation instruments, including compasses for hiking, surveying, and military use. They are renowned for their precision engineering.
4. Kasper & Richter
Founded: 1920
Headquarters: Germany
Specialty: Kasper & Richter crafts precision compasses for hiking, marine navigation, and surveying. They are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and accuracy.
5. Cammenga
Founded: 1992
Headquarters: USA
Specialty: Cammenga specializes in military-grade compasses, including the Tritium Lensatic Compass used by military forces worldwide. They focus on rugged durability and reliability.
6. Ritchie Navigation
Founded: 1850
Headquarters: USA
Specialty: Ritchie Navigation is famous for its marine compasses, used in boats and ships worldwide. They offer compasses with various mounting options and designs.
7. Freiberger Präzisionsmechanik GmbH
Founded: 1946
Headquarters: Germany
Specialty: Freiberger produces high-precision compasses for scientific and industrial applications. They are known for their technological innovation and accuracy.
8. Moscompass
Founded: 1976
Headquarters: Russia
Specialty: Moscompass specializes in orienteering compasses, designed for precise navigation in competitive sports like orienteering and adventure racing.
9. Coghlan’s Ltd.
Founded: 1959
Headquarters: Canada
Specialty: Coghlan’s offers a range of outdoor gear, including compasses for camping and hiking. They are known for affordable and practical compass designs.
10. Sun Company
Founded: 1971
Headquarters: USA
Specialty: Sun Company manufactures innovative compasses and outdoor tools. They focus on user-friendly designs suitable for camping, hiking, and everyday outdoor use.