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 StandardSwitches the sensor mode. Standard automatically selects the best available source: rotation vector, accelerometer plus magnetometer, geomagnetic rotation vector or Fused Orientation. Manual modes help when a device reports one source as unstable or inaccurate.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

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