compass card
Rotating bearing indicator
A compass card is the circular dial inside a compass, marked with directional points (north, south, east, west) and degree gradations.
The card rotates freely on a pivot, aligning with magnetic north so the user can determine direction.
On ships, the compass card is mounted in a binnacle and remains level despite the vessel's movement.
Arctic-facing cardinal direction
- southCardinal direction opposite north
- eastSunrise cardinal point
- westCardinal direction toward sunset
- northeastDirection between two poles
southeast · northwest · southwest · cardinal · intercardinal · points · bearing · azimuth
Data shown visually
- nauticalOf ships and sailing
- marinerOne who navigates ships
- seafarerOne who navigates oceans
- pilotOne who steers aircraft
sextant · astrolabe · binnacle · gyrocompass · dead reckoning · course · waypoint · heading
Sharp-headed fastener
- starboardVessel's right-hand side
- portDocking place for ships
- helmVessel's steering mechanism
- rudderPivoting stern blade
windward · leeward · bearing away · close-hauled · running · reaching · jibing · coming about
north
Arctic-facing cardinal direction
- southCardinal direction opposite north
- eastSunrise cardinal point
- westCardinal direction toward sunset
northeast · southeast · northwest · southwest · cardinal · intercardinal · points · bearing · azimuth · true north
chart
Data shown visually
pilot · sextant · astrolabe · binnacle · gyrocompass · dead reckoning · course · waypoint · heading · ship's wheel
tack
Sharp-headed fastener
rudder · windward · leeward · bearing away · close-hauled · running · reaching · jibing · coming about · wind direction
compass cardGPS display
Navigation system monitor
digital compass · dead reckoning · celestial navigation · gyrocompass
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