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How to increase the accuracy magnetic compass? Is there a good way using multiple ones?

I searched the Internet and Philip Werner suggested at Section Hiker web:

  • use the most current declination data for an area
  • use a declination adjustable compass (e.g., the Suunto M3 or Silva Ranger)
  • stay clear of iron/steel and electrical sources

This is with one compass. How about with multiple compasses? Sometimes, we used multiple sensors to increase accuracy (magnetic North) by compensating each other:

I again searched the Internet, and the torque on each needle would be influenced by the other needle but not great amount by Simon Bridge at Quora.

I especially think about in the ocean or cave (I got an idea from the JPhi's question: Compass Working Underground?).

Regarding location of compass, for example Tesla car equipped with numerous optical cameras in left, right, top, front, back and etc. I am considering several compasses in various locations of the submarine or the cave exporting drone.

Cloud Cho
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1 Answers1

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Compasses aren't like rulers or graduated cylinders. The only thing that a manufacturing error can do is to make the compass not work at all. It can't make it point anywhere but magnetic north (with side motion due to ferrous material in the vicinity). A magnetized needle floating on the water in a tree trunk will point exactly the same direction that the most expensive compass (held just above that same tree trunk) will.

Hutch
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