Compass

there are 2 basic types of compass.

magnetic compass

A device containing a small magnet mounted on a pivot, used to determine direction. The magnet aligns itself according to the local magnetic field direction. since the magnetic pole is not at the earths axis the reading of this compass will be in error at certain places on the earth.

See also: geomagnetism, magnetic north, true north.

Gyrocompass

a compass based on the gyroscope and doesn't rely on magnetism.

The circle of a compass is divided into 360 degrees. North is 0, east is 90, south is 180, west is 270.