Marine compasses can be used to chart and correct where a vessel is headed. Compasses point "true north" or toward the North Pole of the Earth's axis.
Marine compasses can be used with a sighter, a tool used to measure objects on the horizon, to calculate latitude.
Marine compasses can be used with a timekeeping tool called a marine chronometer to compute the longitude of a ship at sea.
The marine compass can be used to take detours off a charted course, due to squalls or rough water.
Compasses were invented by the Chinese in the 1st century. It was adapted for marine use in the 11th century.
The invention of the marine compass exponentially improved travel. The compass made paths timelier by allowing sailors to correct their paths and also gave sailors the option of charting a course detour while heading in the same direction.
