How a compass works, including in a smartphone or a simpler phone

Gyro Compass

Gyro compass is one of the best and popular compass app for Android and iOS users that works with GPS and allows you to know the direction offline.
It uses a magnetic field and shows you the north direction so you can easily get a different direction.

It is an easy to use and user-friendly application with all the features and settings located on the main screen of the application. The Gyro app is free and designed for all smartphone users to help you navigate.

Application overview

The games and application store Play Market and Google Play offer users utilities from different manufacturers. Sometimes it can be difficult to decide which compass to install on your phone.

Compass Steel 3d

This program immediately after downloading and launching prompts users to calibrate. As you complete the procedure, you will be taken to the main menu.

The main advantage the developers note is the presentation of the image in 3D format. When the angle of inclination changes, the picture continues to “follow” the hand. Initially, the arrow points to magnetic north, but in the settings you can switch to the true course.

After changing the mode, the function of searching for directions to the Sun and Moon will be available. Information about the magnetic field strength is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

As a nice bonus, you can choose several graphic designs in different colors and a “Low Power” function to preserve battery power in emergency situations.

Smart Compass

A beautiful interface and versatility make this utility not just a toy, but a reliable virtual companion on the road. First of all, it is necessary to highlight the ability to connect to GPS satellites for accurate operation without the Internet. With it you can easily plot a route on a map of any area.

Smart Compass for Android is based on a magnetic sensor, so the developer decided to supplement the functionality with a metal detector. Information about the strength of the magnetic field is displayed on the screen, and when approaching metals, the indicators will begin to increase and a signal will appear.

This will be very convenient for those who are tired of constantly looking for keys and other items in their travel bag. You can also try yourself as a treasure hunter while on a long hike.

The user has several color options and operating modes to choose from:

1. Standard compass.
2. Telescope - darkening the screen around the main working area.
3. Night - presentation of information in contrasting red and black colors.
4. Moving - movement along the cursor (arrow) in a given direction.

Commander compass

Commander compass is a GPS app that allows you to get outdoor navigation. It is equipped with high-tech compass maps, GPS, tracker, and geological features. It works with a 3D view so you can get real-time object position, direction and location information.

One of the best features of this app is that it allows you to save your current position and get your target position easily. It also provides you with geolocation services so that you can easily find out information about your current position.

Compass Coordinate

Compass Coordinate is a simple and user-friendly application that will offer you graphic design and personalization options on your smartphone. It is a simple and easy to use navigation app that shows directions with HD graphic option.

You can easily use this application when you are out and about and want to know about the direction and weather. It also has a paid option which allows you to get unique and amazing features to know about the direction and weather. You can also get GPS latitude-longitude by using this app on your Android device.

Smart CompassSmart Compass

Smart CompassSmart Compass is a simple, convenient and useful compass app for Android and iOS users that allows you to take the right direction when you are out and about. It shows the four cardinal directions using magnetic field techniques on your smartphone.

This application will easily find your actual position and let you know all the geographical directions on your smartphone. It also has a camera view option that allows you to get closer to reality.

Altimeter GPSAltimeter GPS

Altimeter GPSAltimeter GPS is a popular outdoor barometric altimeter and compass app for Android and iOS users. It lists four different maps designed for trekkers with the ability to search for locations. One of the best features of this app is to include a step counter so you can easily count your steps while traveling.

It displays your current location on Mount Everest or Death Valley. This is a very useful app for travelers to find out how high you are on the mountain. Including a compass, it also shows the result in meters and feet.

Compass by Alexander galstyan

Compass by Alexander galstyan is the best Compass app for Android and iOS users that allows you to navigate your device in real time. This application is easy to use with a good user interface with simple and comprehensive functionality. It shows the degree and all directions on your smartphone so you can easily get directions when you are out and about.

Along with this, it has also included a Google map. It has a large quantity and a large rotating bezel to get a clear result. If you go out, you should know about self-defense to protect yourself from unknown people.

Simple Compass

Simple Compass is another popular compass app for Android users that works with magnetic declination correction for better real-time accuracy. This is the best app that shows the direction relative to geographic north.

One of the best features of this app is that it works offline so you can easily use it without an internet connection on your smartphone. It's a simple and stylish compass app that doesn't impact your device's battery life or performance.

Free compasses for Android: review of the best apps

Compass applications designed to work on modern smartphones and tablets have gained great popularity among travelers, athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. To navigate the terrain, you don’t need an additional device; everything you need is in your phone – and you certainly always have it with you.

Below are compasses that have received high ratings in the Google Play store:

1. Smart Compass
2. Digital Compass
3. 3D Compass Plus
4. Compass (AwesomeDev)
5. Compass Pro (GPS Dragon)
6. Digital Compass
7. Compass (PixelProse SARL)

Smart Compass

The Smart Compass application is included in the Smart Tools package, but can be installed separately from the complete package. The compass uses a magnetic sensor to operate, and most functions require an Internet connection.

Among the main features of Smart Compass are:

• Overlaying a compass on the image from a mobile camera;
• Using the phone's built-in GPS sensor;
• Metal detector: in real time, it transmits data about the strength of the magnetic field at the location of the device.

To improve the accuracy of Smart Compass readings, it is advisable to perform a GPS calibration.

An extended paid version of Smart Compass is available in the Play Store. She can:

• determine the current coordinates of the device using GPS
• send them by email or SMS
• regulate the speed of collecting information from sensors

In addition, the paid version of Smart Compass has no ads and does not require an Internet connection to work.

Digital Compass

The Digital Compass application from Axiomatic Inc is a simple and convenient navigation tool that is not overloaded with unnecessary functions. It contains everything that should be in a full-fledged compass:

• Ability to determine latitude, longitude and address;
• Built-in map from Google Maps to help you navigate the area;
• Options for constructing a route: focusing on information received from a magnetic field sensor / working with Internet data.

The application provides additional features:

• inclination level meter,
• information about the current state of the sensors.

Calibration of the compass is carried out if it is necessary to improve the accuracy of the data (the standard “figure of eight” along which you need to navigate the device).

The compass is designed exclusively for Android devices; there is no version for iOS.

3D Compass Plus

The key feature of the 3D Compass Plus application is the display of an arrow in augmented reality mode. The compass works directly with the device's camera, showing the direction: either on the built-in map from Google, or directly on the screen while the viewfinder is working.

Other useful features of the application:

• Record a video with all useful information - direction, degrees, speed, coordinates, etc.;
• Adding information to Exif tags of images when taking a screenshot;
• Supports marine compass and artificial horizon.

In the free version of the program, almost all functionality is available, but it is partially covered by advertising blocks. Accordingly, there are no advertisements in the paid version.

There is a version of 3D Compass Plus for older versions of iOS, but there is no official support.

Compass (AwesomeDev)

The standard set of features of the Compass application from the developer AwesomeDev includes everything you need for navigation:

• Support magnetic sensor and real-time magnetic field measurement;
• Date and current time, as well as exact coordinates obtained using GPS;
• A minimalistic interface designed to save battery consumption and simplify the perception of data from the device screen.

Drivers and cyclists will find it useful:

• speedometer,
• several map display modes,
• weather information in the current location,
• the ability to build complex routes.

Compass is designed exclusively for Android devices and does not support iOS.

Compass Pro (GPS Dragon)

Compass Pro offers good functionality for professional travelers. The application displays all the necessary information on the screen - current coordinates, direction, latitude, longitude, course, etc.

Key features of Compass Pro:

• Calculation of coordinates based on magnetic fields, GPS sensor and Internet data;
• Ability to switch between true and magnetic north;
• Working with the device’s camera: marks with data on pictures, 30x zoom, flashlight;
• Weather data in the region where you are located – temperature, pressure, humidity;
• Sending data via SMS.

The program is designed for smartphones and tablets running Android; there is no similar version for iOS.

Digital Compass

The developers of Digital Compass claim that their application provides the user with the most accurate information about the current location. The program uses information from all available sensors (gyroscope, magnetometer, accelerometer), as well as Internet data to improve the accuracy of coordinates.

Among the key features we highlight the following:

• Regular measurements of the magnetic field power around the device;
• Displaying data on the status of sensors and the possibility of their additional calibration taking into account the environment;
• Determination of longitude, latitude, altitude, address, etc.

Tip : It is recommended to avoid any magnetic interference while working with the application - for example, electronic devices (laptop, power bank). If the program distorts the data, you can calibrate each available sensor.

There is no similar application for iOS from the same developer; the compass is available exclusively on Android devices.

Compass (PixelProse SARL)

The development of PixelProse SARL actively uses magnetic data, which distinguishes it from similar compasses. The application works with geographic north, takes into account the current location of the device and the surrounding noise, which allows it to provide the user with the most accurate data. This should be taken into account when working with the application, because... Magnetic north, used as the main one in most such programs, can deviate from geographic north by up to 20 degrees.

Other features of the Compass app:

• The program is completely free, there are no ads or blocked functions;
• Operation of all available sensors to improve data accuracy;
• Simple design, not overloaded with unnecessary information.

Important clarification : For the application to work correctly, you should regularly calibrate the sensors, since the magnetic environment around the device greatly affects the accuracy of the coordinates and other displayed data.

Compass is designed for use on Android devices; there is no iOS version.

The application can be installed both on internal memory and on an SD card.

Download Compass

Accurate Compass

Accurate Compass is an easy to use and popular compass app for Android and iOS users with different designs. It has a 3D camera view which makes it easy to get directions. It works based on the concept of magnetic field so that you can easily get east, west, north and south on your smartphone while you are out and about.

Along with this, it also displays the location with coordinates and address. It shows the correct and accurate result on your smartphone in the side window and its 3D view.

A compass for Android is something that won't let you get lost.

Using it, you can find out latitude and longitude, that is, the coordinates where a person is located. This function will be very useful if you need to transfer important data, for example, to the rescue service. In addition, the owner of the program has the opportunity to make notes on the map that can be saved until deleted by the user himself. The program can run on an Android tablet.

Main advantages of the Compass application:

1. Bright and harmonious interface with large icons. The bright design greatly simplifies working with the application and allows even an inexperienced user to understand the program. It is worth noting that the program interface is designed very competently; the application is not replete with unnecessary information blocks, so only the information that interests the user is displayed on the screen of the mobile device.
2. The application is very easy to use. Therefore, if, for example, you need to put a topographical mark, then this can be done in just a few clicks.
3. The program has the ability to calibrate the magnetic field strength. This function allows you to use a metal detector to search for metal objects at various distances.

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Compass Pro

Compass Pro is a free app for smartphone users that provides precise driving directions using a magnetic interface. It is also known as a pocket compass and shows the correct direction of East, West, North and South on your smartphone.

Along with the direction, it also shows the degrees in the slide window. This is a simple, easy to use, professionally designed rotating bezel with sound effects. This application is easy to use and all the instructions for using this application are listed in the application.

Working with a magnetic compass

A magnetic compass helps determine the direction to magnetic north and south, as well as the direction to a selected object relative to the direction to north - azimuth.

Since a magnetic compass responds to any magnetic field, in most cases its needle points not towards the magnetic poles of the Earth, which we talked about here, but away from them.

This is primarily due to magnetic deviations, which are caused by nearby magnetized objects.

The only way to reduce magnetic deviations in a travel compass is to stay far enough away from magnetic objects (such as a knife, cell phone, or other compass), objects (such as a car, airplane, or ship), and sources of electrical current (such as power lines). Although on sea vessels, magnetic deviations associated with the parts of the ship itself are eliminated using special systems equipped with magnets.

There are also areas in which the Earth's magnetic field lines deviate greatly from similar lines in neighboring areas. Such areas are called magnetic anomalies. The compass needle also “lies” in these areas.

It is worth noting that near the geographic poles of the Earth, both in the northern and southern hemispheres, in our time the compass can give large errors, up to 180°, that is, the largest error hypothetically possible.

It was not for nothing that I said that it is in our time. The fact is that the location of the magnetic pole (both south and north) is not constant. Firstly, at the moment the magnetic poles do not coincide with the locations of the geographical poles, and secondly, the location of the magnetic poles changes over time, and moves unpredictably, changing both the direction of movement and the speed. Therefore, we cannot exclude the possibility that sooner or later at some point in time it will coincide with the position of one of the Earth’s geographic poles.

Throughout the history of the Earth, the magnetic poles have repeatedly changed their location diametrically, that is, near the north geographic pole at different times there was both a north magnetic pole and a south magnetic pole.

In addition, due to the proximity of the geographic poles to the magnetic poles, difficulties can arise in measurements using a magnetic compass for the same reason that they arise at the magnetic poles themselves.

At points on the earth's surface corresponding to the earth's magnetic poles, a magnetic compass will not work, since the earth's magnetic field lines in these areas are directed strictly vertically. More precisely, it will work, but only if it is turned on its side - the magnetic needle in this case will take a strictly vertical position, that is, exactly along the magnetic lines of the Earth.

Free HD Compass

Free HD Compass is an easy to use and high definition compass app for iOS users. It has an old style but gives precise results so you never lose your direction. You can even use it as a professional compass tool to get the right direction for free. If you are out of your home or traveling and don't know the directions, you can use this app on your iOS device.

Real Compass Navigation

Real Compass Navigation is a free GPS compass app for Android users that helps you get directions while traveling. This is the best android app that provides correct direction and short distance.

The app comes with the latest map and GPS navigation system so you can get directions easily. You can also use it as a GPS app on your Android device to find and share your current location. There are different modes for destinations like GPS, Live Map, Satellite, Telescope, Night Vision, Standard Mode and others.

Precise digital compass

Precise digital compass is the best digital compass app for iOS users to find your location using your iOS device. This is an easy to use and free application that allows you to find out your current location on your smartphone.

This is the best app for travelers who love to travel so that they can easily know the direction or magnetic north pole. It is the best navigation and orientation app that provides direction relative to geographic cardinal directions.

How to download, install and configure a mobile compass on an Android smartphone?

Of the three applications listed above, we chose “ 3D Compass Plus”

", since it's the only one that needs minor tweaking.
It’s worth noting right away that for it to work correctly, you must have a Google maps package
. Otherwise, the application may begin to conflict with the device. So, follow these steps:

• First of all, you need to download and install the compass on your device. This can be done either through the Play Market
  on a smartphone or through a computer on
  the official Google Play website
  .

• After installing and launching the application, the compass itself will appear on the screen of your device on the left, and a Google map
  with your location on it will appear on the right.

• In the lower left corner of the screen you can adjust the brightness by tapping on the sun-shaped icon, and above are icons for taking photos and recording videos from your smartphone screen.
• In the lower right corner is the main menu icon in the form of the usual three dots. Enter it.

• In the main menu you can purchase the full version of the application, adjust the zoom, switch the external camera to the front camera and vice versa, and also lock the compass in the position you need. In the “ Settings
  ” section the compass is calibrated.
  Just press the “ Calibrate
  ” button and wait a few seconds.

In general, this is all the configuration that the application requires. Its interface is simple and clear, and all data is reliable. The main thing before use is not to forget to activate GPS

on your phone to display your location on Google Maps.

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IMPORTANT: To avoid infecting your device with viruses, download applications only from the official Play Market

or previously verified sources.

Digital Compass

Digital Compass is a popular and useful app for Android users that allows you to get navigation. This is a simple north direction indicator app that provides you north direction.

Before using this app, your device must have a built-in compass sensor. Along with the compass, it also has a metal detector option to bring metal closer to you. You can also use this app to get map and directions on your smartphone.

Compass for Android

You can download it here.

An excellent, beautiful compass with a self-explanatory name. This program will allow you to accurately determine one or another side of the world . I will also highlight the following functions:

1. The ability to choose one of several design themes that you like best;
2. A simple and clear mode of use, no unnecessary settings or anything else.

iGPS

iGPS is a good GPS app for iOS users to access the GPS feature of the smartphone and provide accurate information. It included a map, compass, weather forecast and other functions. You can easily use this application on your smartphone and find out the distance and direction to your destination.

These are handy compass apps that allow you to measure temperature, humidity, wind speed, pressure, and more at your location. It has a map option with three different ways such as landscape, satellite or road map to get directions.

Compass 360

Compass 360 is another popular compass app for Android users that allows you to know the exact location on your Android device. It is a free, easy-to-use Android app for outdoor activities such as traveling, picnics, hiking, camping or boating.

It is designed as a professional compass that provides real and accurate results for your smartphone. One of the best features of this app is that it has magnetic field and true north, which helps you use it as a detector to study magnetic fields.

Compass 360 Pro Free

You can download it here.

A compass that has been installed about 100,000 times, which may indicate its popularity . I will highlight some of the possibilities:

1. A simple interface that any user, even a beginner, can understand;
2. Does not require a connection to the World Wide Web - the Internet;
3. Supports a large number of languages.

Compass 55

Compass 55 is a multifunctional assistant that provides map, compass, GPS coordinates in 6 formats, altitude, distance, sunset/sunrise, speedometer. It has an advanced feature to set a goal and also edit your goal whenever you need.

You can also share your current location with your friends, family and other people using this application. If you want to hide your current location while posting, you can easily use a location spoofer app on your smartphone and hide your current location. It has a built-in speedometer that shows speed and speed.

How to download a compass to your phone for free

There are many thematic applications available in the official Google Play and App Store stores for which no fee is charged. Unless advertising will be displayed.

But don’t rush to install programs on your gadget. Perhaps the functionality you need is built into your version of Android by default. On an iPhone, just go to the “Add-ons” folder and you will see the necessary software there (it can also just be in the list of programs):

Many smartphone manufacturers also add similar software to Android. For example, my Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 has an integrated Compass utility:

If you don’t find anything like this at home, then you should download the compass.

And remember - if the phone does not have a magnetic sensor (which is very rare these days), then you will have to activate the connection to GPS (geolocation) to obtain the necessary information.

Wind Compass

Wind Compass is also known as wind direction, which allows you to know the direction of the wind near you. This is a popular application that provides you with the current wind speed and direction on your smartphone for free.

It's easy to use with a good UI app that has the ability to toggle the wind speed in different settings. Along with wind speed, it also provides 7-day temperature and weather forecast on your smartphone.

Compass

Compass is new but just as popular as the other compass apps on this list. This is a simple compass app that allows you to see the exact status with a huge display. It shows the correct direction and course status on your smartphone for free.

You must keep your smartphone parallel to the ground to get the correct result. After that fill in the destination, it shows a red arrow for the destination you have defined. The signals are shown with its codes with complete instructions for this application.

How to use a smartphone as a compass?

Owners of smartphones probably know about their extensive functionality.
They contain many useful tools for everyday work. Smartphones can replace individual devices such as a camera, radio, alarm clock, flashlight, voice recorder, etc. A compass is also included in this list. Inside your “pocket computer” there is a tiny magnet that rotates on an axis and points towards the north pole. Joke