Magnetic compasses, which use the Earth's magnetic field to determine direction
Gyroscopic compasses, which use the principle of gyroscopic precession to determine direction
GPS compasses, which use GPS signals to determine direction
Optical compasses, which use a sighting mechanism to determine direction by aligning an object with a fixed point.
The magnetic compass is believed to have been first invented by the Chinese during the Han dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE). However, it was not used for navigation until the Song dynasty (960-1279 CE), when Chinese navigators began using it to navigate ships at sea. The magnetic compass was first brought to Europe by traders during the 12th century, and it quickly became an essential tool for navigation.
During the Age of Exploration, the magnetic
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compass played a crucial role in the success of voyages of discovery, such as those of Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan. In the centuries that followed, the compass was improved upon and combined with other navigational tools, such as the sextant and chronometer, to allow for more accurate navigation at sea.
In the early 20th century, the magnetic compass was replaced by more advanced navigation systems such as radar and GPS
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Troughton & Simms theodolite horizontal full circle with magnifiers, telescope with bubble levels, makers name on compass card and tripod, the mahogany case with leather belt straps containing a bolt & Sutherland surveyors steel band on brass spool serial…
A good Victorian cased brass theodolite by Troughton & Simms of London, with telescopic site fitting to the top above the named compass dial framed by two levels and silvered scale. The original brass fitted mahogany case labeled 'made May 1867'
A 19th century brass theodolite by Watkins & hill, with silvered scales, maker's details on compass table, with original mahogany tripod legs. Height 152 cm
Rare American D.W Bruntons, Ainsworth pocket Transit compass, made for surveying on or under the ground, incised D. W. Brunton's Pat. Sept. 18, 1894 Apr. 14, 1914 Wm. Ainsworth & Sons Sole Manufacturers Pat. Oct. 2 12. May 27. 13. Denver, Colo. U. S. A.,…
An English Altitude Theodolite, William Wilton, Cornwall, circa 1830, circular plate with extended arms to carry open sights, in the centre is a silvered compass, underneath a glazed case, flanked by two spirit levels and a scale divided into quadrants of…
A fine brass Victorian surveyors theodolite with silvered compass and a vernier scale by Troughton & Sims in a glass and oak framed case. Height 40 cm. Length 37 cm
A late 19th century gilt brass English mining dial with telescopic level and compass by Throughton & Sims, London mounted on a swivel base with turned oak stand. Length 34 cm