We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Hardware

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Prismatic Compass?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 80,307
Share

One of the specialty types of magnetic compasses, the prismatic compass makes use of a small capsule that is filled with oil and a magnetized dial. This combination is augmented with an illumination component that helps to provide one of the most accurate compass readings of any type. Sometimes referred to as an optical compass, the pinpoint accuracy of the device helps to make it ideal for a number of applications where lighting is in limited supply.

All types of compasses allow the user to isolate a direction from any point on the planet. The pointer within the device will align with the pull of the natural magnetic field of the Earth, ensuring that it will make it easy to accurately determine the basic directions of north, south, east, and west. It is not unusual for a magnetic compass to be used as part of an overall navigation process, with such devices as chronometers and sextants used to further refine the process of plotting a course.

Due to the luminescent qualities that some prismatic compasses have, they are ideal for use in any environment where visibility is somewhat limited. When navigating through an underground system such as a cave, it will provide a reliable means of reading direction, helping to prevent the explorer from becoming lost. Applications within the professions that depend on surveying land and other property also often make use of this compass.

Perhaps one of its most common uses is with any task or profession that involves waterways or the ocean. Marine biologists can make use of the compass when conducting underwater explorations, making it easy to record directions to and from a starting point. The device can be especially helpful in deeper waters, where there is very little light.

Generally, the prismatic compass is designed to handle heavy-duty use, and it is both air and watertight. Many models can be mounted on a tripod when appropriate, as well as held and operated in one hand. Some are illuminated with the assistance of a small battery, while others use photoluminescent materials to make the dial visible in low light environments.

Share
EasyTechJunkie is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including EasyTechJunkie, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.
Discussion Comments
By anon43699 — On Aug 31, 2009

This is one of the dumbest articles I have ever read. This writer does not realize that a compass with batteries is not a prismatic. The Military version of a prismatic, tank commander, is graduated in mills and would never have batteries.

By anon40132 — On Aug 06, 2009

What nonsense! A prismatic compass uses a prism to allow the reading of the card and viewing of the object of interest together, hence the name. A lot of compasses are called prismatic when they are not. The British MK III compass is a good example of a prismatic compass.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.easytechjunkie.com/what-is-a-prismatic-compass.htm
Copy this link
EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.