Kompasi

Kompasi is a term that can refer to the compass, a device used to determine direction. In Indonesian and Malay, the common word for this instrument is kompas, while kompasi may appear as an alternate spelling in historical texts, regional varieties, or transliteration. The term may also be encountered in name contexts or older literature, where spelling variants are more common.

A compass works by providing a reference direction. The traditional magnetic compass uses a magnetized needle that aligns with Earth’s magnetic field, indicating magnetic north on a calibrated dial. Modern variants include gyrocompasses, which rely on a gyroscope to indicate true north and are not affected by magnetism; they are widely used in ships and high-precision aircraft and surveying equipment. Digital compasses, often embedded in smartphones and navigation devices, use magnetometers to sense magnetic fields and provide directional data that can be integrated with maps and other sensors.

History and use: The magnetic compass originated in China and spread to Europe and the Islamic world, revolutionizing navigation and surveying during the medieval period. Gyrocompasses were developed in the 20th century to overcome magnetic declination and interference issues. Today, compasses are foundational tools in maritime and aviation navigation, land surveying, orienteering, and outdoor activities, frequently used alongside maps, GPS, and other sensors. Correct interpretation requires accounting for magnetic declination—the difference between magnetic north and true north—in a given location.

Etymology and variants: The word kompasi reflects phonetic or transliteration variations in some languages, but the standard term in many regions remains kompas. The concept spans mechanical, electronic, and inertial implementations, all serving the core function of indicating direction.