We often discuss the way modern technology relies on the power of magnets, but in truth, society’s reliance on magnets started a long time ago – roughly 2,000 years in the past. One of history’s most significant magnetic inventions, and possibly its first, the compass is believed to have been used for fortune-telling and divination in ancient China. Sometime between the 11th and 12th century though, the compass became a navigational tool. It changed the way we travel and allowed us to, quite literally, orient ourselves. For the first time, we could consider our position in the world in relation to others and navigate the real possibility of getting from here to there.  Many people think today’s technology – the global positioning system (GPS) and its technological counterparts – have made the compass obsolete. What they fail to understand is that while widespread satellite connection has become an integral part of our lives, access to the internet is simply not available everywhere. So, despite advances, those who travel for work or play must often rely on magnetic compass technology. 

Compasses: Land, Sea, and Air

If you spend time outdoors, you’ve likely seen a hiker with a compass. It’s commonplace, and, in some situations, completely necessary to avoid getting lost. Recreational and professional hikers, however, are not the only ones to carry a compass. Archaeologists, biologists, botanists, military men and women, you name it. Any profession that puts a person in the field requires a compass. As time passes, added gadgets come and go, but when you strip down the technology, today’s compass is made by the same ancient design. Those traveling by sea have long used the compass as well. However, according to National Geographic, “When ships evolved from being made of wood to being made of iron and steel, the magnetism of the ship affected compass readings.” Sailors adjusted by “placing soft iron balls (called Kelvin spheres) and bar magnets (called Flinders bars) near the compass.” This helped increase accuracy in the face of deviation, motion, and variation.  For over a hundred years, compasses have also been used in airplanes. Typically, they’re kept on the dash or windshield, as far away from electrical gear as possible to reduce the deviation. Sometimes, compensating magnets are already inside these compasses to counteract interference, and a card might be attached to show the reader how to adjust if necessary.

Use Apex Magnets Today 

If you want to create your own compass, repeatedly rub lodestone (available at Apex) along the length of an iron needle in one direction. When suspended, the needle should align itself with the Earth’s north-south poles.  You can also use our 3/8" x 1/16” Disc Neodymium Rare Earth Magnet to make a hanging magnetic compass as described in our blog, “DIY Hanging Magnetic Compass.” As always, contact us with your questions. We’re available at any time of the day!