Navigators and explorers in history used magnetic compasses to find their way to the north, south, east or west. They’d have never imagined that the devices would evolve into what they are today, smartphone apps such as the Magnetic Pole Detector. But, how does the best free compass for Android phones help America’s Boy Scouts today and also worked for ancient Chinese seafarers? And, how does a compass app work? Well, In fact, they help Boy Scouts to learn how to orient a map. According to ETH Zurich’s emeritus professor, William Lowrie, magnetic compasses were invented in 200 BCE. About 1000 CE, navigators began to use the compass regularly both on sea and land in present-day China. A 20th-century regular magnetic compass features a magnetized needle in its core, and a face indicating the cardinal directions or orienteering bearings. They’re key to learning practical skills you’ll find handy in various scenarios.

Actually, here’s how to find north with a compass. Mounted on a surface with little to no friction, the needle turned easily. One end of the needle points to the magnetic north while the other to the magnetic south, when held flat. The interaction between the magnetic field of the earth and the magnet determines the south and north. Geologists have studied the earth’s layers to help explain the unknown magnetic field phenomenon. You can also find north using stars, photography, a watch, the sun or even a north movie. According to howstuffworks.com, the earth’s inner core mainly comprises of molten iron, which, with pressure exertion, converts to a solid. With the earth’s rotation, and immense heat from its core results in the iron moving in a rotational pattern. This may be the magnetic field source in an online compass to know direction. A lightweight compass in the core and on surfaces with low friction is key to having endless adventures.

However, the types of compasses for orienteering are impaired with various problems despite the invention over two millenniums ago. It must level to work, explaining why they can’t be used in airplanes. Additionally, magnetic compasses take time to reset and help find north online. It’s the geographical north pole and south pole. Similarly, smartphones feature a tiny magnetometer used to measure the magnetic field of the earth. A Pole Detector App also features an accelerator to collect information on the position of your smartphone in space. Solid-state sensors inside your phone measure its movement and tilt to help determine its position. The information indicates that your compass app can display your precise cardinal magnetic compass directions despite your smartphone’s orientation, to have fun with friends. The key to getting reliable directions or poles is the magnetic field of the earth, whether you’re using a compass app or a 200 BCE compass.