ArxSilex MapTools Logo ArxSilex MapToolsOutdoor map toolkit

Manual

Compass

Check map orientation, course and fixed bearing direction in the live menu.

Manual

Using the compass in practice

The compass helps with map orientation, course checks and fixed bearings outdoors.

  1. Step 1Open the live menu and select the compass view.
  2. Step 2Hold the device as level as possible and compare the map direction with the real surroundings.
  3. Step 3Use course, target direction or a fixed bearing as an orientation aid when needed.
  4. Step 4If values jump, check location, GPS signal, magnetic interference and sensor calibration.

Compass

View and controls

The compass view combines north reference, fixed bearing, sensor status and tilt display.

Opening from the main view

The compass is available directly from the compass symbol in the map view.

  • Long-press the compass in the main view to open the compass screen.
  • Double-tap the compass to align the map back to north.
  • The Fix button below the compass turns the fixed bearing on or off directly from the main screen.
  • When Fix is active, the button turns red and the red marker on the compass shows the saved bearing.
ArxSilex MapTools compass view with fixed bearing marker, sensor selection and tilt display123456789101112
Compass view with north reference, fixed marker, sensor selection and tilt display.

Button functions

These switches and status fields are important in the compass view.

1 XCloses the compass view and returns to the map.2 FixStores the current heading as a fixed bearing. The fixed bearing can also be enabled or disabled directly from the main view with the Fix button; when active, the same red marker appears on the compass symbol.3 Sensor StandardChanges sensor mode and view mode. Standard automatically selects a suitable sensor source; Auto, Horizontal and Vertical define how the app derives the viewing direction from the device posture.4 TiltOpens the tilt display. It uses pitch and roll from the device sensors so you can see whether the device is held level or upright with a steady orientation.5 True NorthUses true/geographic north as the reference. Magnetic declination at the current location is taken into account when location and model values are available.6 Magnetic NorthUses magnetic north as the reference. This matches a classic magnetic compass and reacts more strongly to local interference from metal, vehicles, magnets or electronics.7 Compass calibrationShows calibration state and the active sensor source, such as rotation vector, Fused Orientation or accelerometer plus magnetometer. If values are unstable, move away from interference and recalibrate the device sensors. Long-pressing this field opens the compass calibration settings.8 AccuracyShows the estimated accuracy of the current heading. With Fused Orientation this may include a heading error in degrees; otherwise the app uses Android sensor accuracy.9 Level / alignmentThe level in the center visualizes pitch and roll. When the dot is near the center, the device is held level, making compass values steadier and easier to compare.10 Fixed-bearing markerThe red marker shows the saved bearing. It remains visible on the compass ring while you or the device rotate, making deviation from the fixed direction easy to spot.11 Degrees and directionThe large degree value shows the current heading from 0 to 359 degrees. The cardinal label below, such as N, NE or E, follows the selected north reference.12 Magnetic fieldThe display shows measured magnetic-field strength in microtesla. When location is available, it is compared with the expected local Earth magnetic field from the internal WMM model: up to about 5 µT deviation is good, up to 10 µT minor, up to 20 µT critical and above that strongly disturbed.

Compass

Compass with flexible sensor and view selection

ArxSilex MapTools includes a practical outdoor compass for navigation, bearings, target alignment and map work. The app uses available motion sensors, magnetic field sensors and, while moving, also the GPS course to show the current viewing or movement direction as stably and transparently as possible.

More than north indication

The compass supports bearings to targets, alignment of map objects, work with routes and areas and visual orientation together with GPS position, map and LiveView.

Sensor sources

Depending on the device, fused Android sensor data, Rotation Vector, Geomagnetic Rotation Vector or a calculation from accelerometer and magnetic field sensor can be used. This keeps the compass usable on devices with different sensor hardware. The active source is shown in the display.

Auto, Horizontal and Vertical

In Auto mode, direction is not rigidly tied to one device edge. The app derives a practical viewing direction from the spatial posture of the smartphone, for example when it is slightly tilted in the hand, in a mount or on bicycle handlebars. Horizontal is suitable for use like a classic handheld compass; Vertical is suitable in front of the body, similar to a sighting or bearing direction over the display.

GPS course while moving

While moving, the app can additionally include the GPS movement course. This is useful when magnetic field sensors are disturbed by metal, vehicles, power lines, equipment or building structures. GPS course is weighted based on speed, course accuracy and sensor quality. When stationary, sensor orientation remains decisive; with sufficient movement, GPS additionally stabilizes the display.

Transparency and accuracy

The compass display shows sensor source, accuracy, magnetic field assessment and warnings for unfavorable device posture. This makes it visible whether the direction is based on high-quality sensor data, limited sensor data or additionally on GPS movement data. Achievable accuracy depends on the smartphone, sensor quality, calibration, magnetic environment, GPS reception and current movement.

For professional use

The compass is designed for demanding outdoor and field scenarios: terrain orientation, documentation of bearings, target indication, map work, route following and situational reference. Sensor decisions are made visible so the direction data basis remains understandable.

Important note

A smartphone compass does not replace operational training or required navigation tools. Magnetic field sensors can deviate due to environmental influences. For critical decisions, direction, position and target should always be checked with suitable additional means.

Compass

Typical use

Check map orientation, course and fixed bearing direction in the live menu.

Typical use

  • Align the map to north or travel direction.
  • Keep a bearing for orientation, target search or area work.
  • Combine compass, target navigation, bearings, circles and coordinates.

Manual

Related manual pages

These functions often work directly with the compass.

Back to Manual Quickstart Bearings & Radius Target navigation Offline data