When was the compass first used for navigation?

The compass was first used for navigation in the Northern Song Dynasty.

Compass is a navigation tool invented by China in ancient times, and its predecessor is Sina. In the Northern Song Dynasty, people invented the compass for navigation, which was a great progress in navigation technology. The invention and use of the compass enable navigators to determine their directions more accurately, and they no longer need to rely on astronomy or landmarks to determine their directions.

The application of compass in navigation was not originally for navigation, but for geomantic omen and divination. However, with the passage of time, people gradually discovered the advantages of compass in navigation and began to be widely used in maritime navigation and exploration.

During the European Renaissance, compasses were widely used in European navigation and exploration. Columbus, an Italian, used a compass in his westward voyage plan, thus discovering the new continent. Since then, the compass has become an indispensable tool for European navigation and has been widely used in geographical discovery and maritime trade.

Use of compass

The application of compass in navigation enables navigators to determine their directions more accurately, and they no longer need to rely on astronomy or landmarks to determine their directions. The invention and use of the compass made navigation safer, more accurate and more efficient, and became one of the landmark events in the history of navigation in the world.

In addition to the application in navigation, the compass can also be used for geographical exploration and measurement. For example, during the great geographical discovery, European explorers used compasses to discover new lands and explore unknown areas. In addition, the compass can also be used in the fields of geodesy and topographic survey.