Bearing compass

(Bearing: angle formed by the north and the visual to a certain object in the sea or ashore).

Used in navigation to determine the angle between the direction of an object and the magnetic north or, indirectly relative to another reference point.

[1] Sailors use successive demarcations of fixed reference points along with simple geometric techniques to determine their position, course and speed.

In addition, making successive demarcations of other vessels, together with simple geometry techniques, can help the navigator to determine if there is a risk of collision and to decide what measures should be taken to avoid the danger.

More complex prismatic versions, such as SUUNTO compasses (see first photograph), use an optical system to display the bearing marks through an ocular while pointing to the target.