Does the compass refer to the geographical south pole or the geomagnetic south pole?

The compass refers to the geomagnetic south pole. The compass was called Sina in ancient times, and its main component was a magnetic needle mounted on the shaft. Under the action of natural geomagnetic field, the magnetic needle can rotate freely and keep in the tangent direction of magnetic meridian, and the south pole of the magnetic needle points to the geographical south pole (magnetic north pole), so we can use this property to judge the direction.

Compasses are often used in navigation, geodesy, travel and military affairs. The invention of the compass with physical direction indication has three parts, namely Sina, compass and magnetic needle, all of which belong to the invention of China. Compass is the result of China ancient working people's understanding of magnet magnetism in long-term practice.

Compass is considered as one of the four great inventions in ancient China. Its invention has played an inestimable role in the development of human scientific and technological civilization. In ancient China, the compass was first used for rituals, etiquette, military affairs and divination, and to determine the orientation when looking at geomantic omen. Later, it was introduced to Europe and played an irreplaceable role in European navigation and geographical discovery. In the invention of navigation technology, compass is also the most important single invention.