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How to Use
Compass
The first recorded use of the compass dates back thousands of years.
The invention of the compass was based on the realization that a small
piece of lodestone (a mineral composed of an iron oxide), when floated on
a piece of wood in a bowl of water, would always turn and align itself in
a north-south direction.
This primitive compass became more accurate when man invented the compass
needle, a strip of metal that was magnetized by stroking it with a
permanent magnet. When this magnetized needle was balanced on a pivot, it
was able to rotate freely. The modern compass seen today was developed as
late as the 1930´s when the standard air-filled compass capsule was
filled with oil. This development eliminated the rapid and erratic
behavior of magnetic needles and improved the accuracy and readability of
the compass exceptionally. |
When is a compass used, and what are the real benefits of these
direction-finding instruments?
Whether for outdoor sport or for professional use, on land or at sea, a
map and a compass are essential items in terms of safety equipment. They
are the most important ways of taking appropriate and often life-saving
decisions in critical situations such as unknown terrain, sudden fog,
darkness, etc. Apart from their basic direction-finding purpose, many
RECTA compasses also offer
useful additional functions such as the ability to measure heights or
angles of inclination in sloping terrain, a feature which can be very
important in determining avalanche risk for example. A RECTA compass can
also provide crucial information for the solution of geographical and
geometrical problems.
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Baseplate compass
The baseplate compass is a practical, simple to use liquid filled compass
that features a baseplate which is marked with a red arrow pointing along
the long axis, and a rotating compass housing marked in degrees. Baseplate
compasses are ideal for taking quick bearings and map use.
Mirror compass
The mirror compass features a mirror that allows you to view the compass
dial and the background at the same time. The fact that the compass dial
can be seen at the same time the reference point is aligned makes mirror
compasses more desirable for taking accurate bearings.
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Bearing
The bearing is the angle between true North and the direction of travel
and is also called the azimuth. The value of this angle (degrees, gons,
mils) can be read directly off the capsule graduation.
Clinometer
A clinometer can be used for measuring slopes of terrain, heights, etc.,
and it is included in some RECTA compass models as a standard feature.
Recta Manual
Recta manual is available in 2 versions:
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