Google Maps Compass

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Purpose of the site

Google Compass is a Google Maps tool that enables users to plot and record compass bearings, distances and magnetic declination or variation for single or multiple routes. Once you choose between plotting a single-leg or multi-leg route, Google Compass overlays an interactive Silva compass on a Google Map. Users can drag the compass and position it to point in any direction. Users can then plot a route on the map using the compass. The compass tool will automatically adjust for differences between magnetic and true north for any location on Earth and also provide users with the coordinates of their routes. Google Compass routes can be saved and stored for later retrieval.

Google Compass could be used to teach students about the difference between magnetic north and true north. Students can position the compass on various places on the map to see how the difference between magnetic north and true north varies depending upon where you are on the Earth.

Our Google Maps Compass application is ideal for educationalists, orienteers, walkers and hikers wishing to practise compass reading and plan routes from the comfort of their classroom or armchair. It is not designed to replace compass reading using maps produced by the national mapping agencies such as Ordnance Survey of the United Kingdom.

Disclaimer

This website is provided for educational use only on an 'as is' basis without warrant of guarantee of any kind. The act of using this website forces you to agree that you will not hold the owners of this website liable for any event that should happen as a result of you following the information provided. Use the information provided within this website at your own risk.

Help Topics

1. Purpose of the site

2. Compass features

3. Compass or GPS - advantages and disadvantages

4. Extending the compass direction of travel arrow

5. False readings when using a compass

6. Google Maps projection

7. GPS or Compass - pros and cons

8. Grid references test

9. How to use a compass

10. Latitude and longitude positions: degrees, minutes and seconds

11. Magnetic declination or variation