Guides & Articles

Master the art and science of navigation. In-depth guides on celestial navigation, magnetic compass reading, and understanding declination — written for beginners and experienced navigators alike.

Celestial Navigation for Beginners

Discover how to use the sun and moon as navigation references. Learn about solar azimuth, elevation, moon phases, and position fixing using the same SunCalc formulas that power Live Compass.

~12 min read Beginner

How to Read a Magnetic Compass

Master the fundamentals of compass reading — cardinal directions, azimuths, bearings, and calibration techniques. This comprehensive guide covers everything from basic compass anatomy to advanced field techniques.

~10 min read Beginner

Magnetic North vs. True North & Declination

Understand why your compass doesn't point to true north and how to correct for it. This guide explains magnetic declination, how it varies by location, and how to convert between magnetic and true bearings.

~11 min read Intermediate

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