Kompasskurs

Kompasskurs refers to the directional heading indicated by a magnetic compass. It is a fundamental concept in navigation, used by individuals and vehicles to determine and maintain a course. The compass needle, influenced by the Earth's magnetic field, points towards magnetic north. The kompasskurs is the angle measured clockwise from magnetic north to the desired direction of travel.

Understanding and utilizing kompasskurs requires knowledge of declination, the angular difference between true north and magnetic north at a specific location. Compasses are typically calibrated to magnetic north, so navigators must adjust their reading to account for declination if they are aiming for true north. This is crucial for accurate map reading and route planning.

In maritime and aviation contexts, kompasskurs is a critical element of safe navigation. Pilots and sailors rely on precise kompasskurs readings, often in conjunction with other navigational tools like GPS, to stay on course and avoid hazards. Even in modern navigation, where electronic systems are prevalent, a basic understanding of kompasskurs remains valuable for backup and fundamental comprehension of direction. Small deviations in kompasskurs can lead to significant navigational errors over longer distances.