Compass error refers to a magnetic compasses natural tendencies to produce erroneous readings in certain circumstances. Sometimes this may be due to environmental effects such as proximity to a strong magnetic field. Compass error is also frequently the result of shortcomings or anomalies in the way compasses work.
Compass error due to environmental effects usually refers to an airplanes compass being drawn toward the magnetic fields generated by the aircrafts engines. This is called magnetic deviation. Additionally in some regions with high concentrations of iron in the soil, compasses may give all sorts of erroneous information.
Magnetic compass "variation" deals with the difference between the magnetic north pole (which magnetic compasses point to) and the true north pole (the actual geographical north pole.) While this difference may seem minor, magnetic variation can mean a difference of up to 4 or 5 degrees in some places.
In aviation, compasses may also give erroneous readings when turning or performing other maneuvers. This is due to the curvature of the earth combined with the fact that the compass needle wishes to point at the magnetic north pole. Since the earth is round, and the compass points to the magnetic north pole, the compass needle will in most cases be drawn to a point below the horizon from the users standpoint. This will cause the magnetic compass to precede when turning to a northern heading, and to lag when turning to a southern heading.
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Compass error refers to the difference between the actual magnetic heading of a compass and the heading it indicates. It can be caused by various factors such as magnetic interference from the ship or aircraft it is installed on, deviation due to metal objects nearby, or variation caused by the difference between true north and magnetic north. Compass error needs to be regularly assessed and corrected to ensure accurate navigation.
The local attraction are the error affecting device available at near by the compass while doing surveying. the local attraction is the effect of the magnetic materials on the compass and gets the incorrect bearing.
To use a prismatic compass, first ensure it is set up correctly by adjusting the azimuth ring to align with magnetic north. Then, hold the compass level and sight your target through the prism while reading the azimuth on the compass dial. Ensure you compensate for any declination angle if needed.
The aims of a compass survey are to determine the magnetic bearing of a line and to set out accurate directions on the field. Its objectives include establishing a reference direction, determining the magnetic declination, and providing a basis for orienting maps and conducting navigation activities.
Local attractions such as buildings or metal objects can affect the accuracy of a prismatic compass survey by causing magnetic interference. This interference can lead to errors in compass readings and, consequently, inaccurate survey measurements. To minimize these effects, surveyors should identify and account for local attractions during their surveys, employing techniques such as taking multiple readings and using a declination correction.
Sources of errors in compass surveys include magnetic declination errors, local magnetic disturbances, poor compass calibration, incorrect reading of the compass, and human error in taking and recording measurements.