compass is as compass does?

BRONZE 4 – Outdoor Scouting
* Discuss how a compass works and show you know the the four principal points.
* Make a simple compass.

A compass rose is a figure displaying the orientation of the cardinal directions, north, south, east and west on a map or nautical chart. It is also the term for the graduated markings found on the traditional magnetic compass. — Wikipedia

A compass, (or mariner compass) is a navigational instrument for finding directions on the Earth. It consists of a magnetized pointer free to align itself accurately with Earth’s magnetic field, which is of great assistance in navigation. The face of the compass generally highlights the cardinal points of north, south, east and west. A compass can be used in conjunction with a marine chronometer to calculate longitude and a sextant to calculate latitude, providing a very accurate navigation capability. This device greatly improved maritime trade by making travel safer and more efficient. — Wikipedia

Make a compass with a cork and a needle using the instructions over at How Stuff Works. (http://science.howstuffworks.com/compass1.htm)

SILVER 4 – Outdoor Scouting
* Demonstrate an understanding of how many degrees there are in a compass and the eight principal points.
* Use a compass to follow a trail, which includes at least six compass points.

In geography, the four principal directional indicators are marked as points or arrowheads on a traditional compass rose. Called cardinal directions, they are north, east, south and west. There are simple specific means to establish each direction which should work anywhere on Earth where there is a view of the sky. North and south are oriented toward their respective poles near each end of the Earth’s axis. The Earth’s rotation upon that axis can define the orientation of east and west. — Wikipedia

The four equal divisions – Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and Northwest – are called Primary InterCardinal directions.

The Secondary InterCardinal directions, but they are hardly ever used. Example: North-Northeast.

GOLD 4 – Outdoor Scouting
* Use a compass to plan a bushwalk route on a map.
* Use a compass to set a simple trail, including six compass points, for the rest of your pack to follow.
* Discuss the eight principle points and the associated degrees.

CompassRose16 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

References

[1] Scout Skills: Compass
Scout Skills – Compass (PDF) [ScoutBase.org.uk]

[2] How Stuff Works – Compass
http://www.howstuffworks.com/compass.htm

[3] Connected: Compass
http://www.scoutingresources.org.uk/connected_compass.html

[4] Kjetil Kjernsmo’s illustrated guide on How to use a compass
http://www.learn-orienteering.org/