Non-navigational_uses History_of_the_compass

1 non-navigational uses

1.1 astronomy
1.2 building orientation
1.3 mining
1.4 sun compass

non-navigational uses
astronomy

three compasses meant establishing meridian described peter peregrinus in 1269 (referring experiments made before 1248) late in 13th century, al-malik al-ashraf of yemen wrote treatise on astrolabes, included instructions , diagrams on using compass determine meridian (khaṭṭ niṣf al-nahār) , qibla. in 1300, treatise written egyptian astronomer , muezzin ibn simʿūn describes dry compass use qibla indicator find direction mecca. ibn simʿūn s compass, however, did not feature compass card nor familiar glass box. in 14th century, syrian astronomer , timekeeper ibn al-shatir (1304–1375) invented timekeeping device incorporating both universal sundial , magnetic compass. invented purpose of finding times of salat prayers.

building orientation

evidence orientation of buildings means of magnetic compass can found in 12th-century denmark: 1 fourth of 570 romanesque churches rotated 5–15 degrees clockwise true east-west, corresponding predominant magnetic declination of time of construction. of these churches built in 12th century, indicating common usage of magnetic compasses in europe then.

mining

the use of compass direction finder underground pioneered in tuscan mining town massa floating magnetic needles employed tunnelling, , defining claims of various mining companies, 13th century. in second half of 15th century, compass became standard equipment tyrolian miners. shortly afterwards first detailed treatise dealing underground use of compasses published german miner rülein von calw (1463–1525).

sun compass

a sun compass uses position of sun in sky determine directions of cardinal points, making allowance local latitude , longitude, time of day, equation of time, , on. @ high latitudes, analog-display watch can used approximate sun compass. simple sundial can used better one. automatic sun compass developed lt. col. james allason, mechanised cavalry officer, adopted british army in india in 1938 use in tanks , other armoured vehicles magnetic field subject distortion, affecting standard issue prismatic compass. cloudy skies prohibited use in european theatres. copy of manual preserved in imperial war museum in london.