Importance of the Compass

In the search for new directions, men faced the waters of the seas that surrounded them, and for this, they needed the help of instruments that, with great ingenuity and a large dose of genius, invented and became key factors in changes and advances in the history of Humanity. It is the case of the compass, which allowed navigators to improve navigation and from it, arrive at new lands, which allowed them establishing commercial agreements, as well as, contributed to the expansion of the great civilizations and the empires.

Nothing of splendor would have had the Roman empire if he had not succeeded in venturing into the waters of the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, and today America would be very different (who knows how) if Christopher Columbus and their successors (such as the case of Americo vespucio) would not have crossed an entire ocean to reach America.

The compass was invented in China in the 9th century and, through the time, its composition elements were improved, which made it more practical and functional to the needs of sailors. In any case, although it was invented mainly to aid navigation, and in fact was great contribution, it is true that a compass can be used by anyone who wants to find a Point of

In principle the compass consisted of a jug with water in which a magnetized needle floated which indicated the magnetic points of the Earth, to the north and to the south. But of course, this orientation jar was impractical for sailors, and then compasses were created that could easily be held in one hand, covered with glass, as we know them in present.

It is true that in current times, the compass has been largely displaced by an also transcendental invention, just as the compass was in that China of the 9th century: the system of satellite geolocation (GPS) that does not need a magnetized needle, much less a jug full of water. By the use of satellites It allows the person to observe his position and even him in many cases, search and know what places he is close to. Even so, in the case of maritime navigation, and even when the GPS is not missing, the compass is not missing either. It may be a symbolic presence, but it is also true that if the GPS fails (as can happen, for the fact of being an electronic device) the compass will always indicate the position of the ship with respect to the poles terrestrial.