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The Secret Behind the Magnetic Needle: Why is the naming of the wind direction of ocean navigation so complicated?
In navigation and mapping, the compass pointing system is a set of directional indicators that facilitate navigation.The usual compass rose contains four basic directions - north, east, south and west, 90 degrees apart.These four basic directions are further subdivided into four secondary directions, namely northeast, southeast, southwest and northwest, each secondary direction is located in the middle of the two basic directions.With the development of navigation technology, some disciplines have further subdivided the compass to form a complete system containing 32 "directions", making it more convenient for us to do not have to calculate or memorize the degrees when discussing specific directions.
"Compass has a long history, but its complex wind direction name system is stacked layer by layer. What is the reason?"
Design and naming of compass orientation
The name of the compass orientation follows some rules.First of all, there are four basic wind directions: north (N), east (E), south (S), and west (W), and the angle between these basic wind directions is 90 degrees.The four mutually pointing wind directions (secondary directions) divided from this include: Northeast (NE), Southeast (SE), Southwest (SW) and Northwest (NW), each direction is 45 degrees apart.In many languages, these names are compound words composed of two words, and this naming method is arranged in different cultures.For example, in English and most Indo-European languages, the part that means "north" or "south" is usually placed before the part that means "east" or "western".
Further subdivision of 16 wind direction and 32 wind direction
On the basic 8-wind compass, by further dividing the angle between each basic wind direction, 16 wind directions can be obtained.Some examples include North-North East (NNE), North-East East (ENE), South-South West (SSW), etc.These half-winds can be named by combining adjacent basic wind names, such as combining the north and the northeast to form the north and northeast.In addition, if the 16 wind directions are further divided into two parts, 32 wind directions can be obtained.This subdivision makes the angle between each wind direction smaller, reaching 11+1⁄4°.
Practical Application in Navigation
Before the popularization of modern triple-digit method directional description methods, the 32-wind compass system has been the navigation standard for European crew members.At that time, during the practice of "frame compass", the crew would name all 32 directions in a clockwise direction.With the improvement of navigation accuracy, it becomes even more important to the subdivision and accuracy of directions.For example, when referring to the location of an obstacle, it is often said that "dangling two wind directions" means that the obstacle is located at a position 22+1⁄2 degrees directly in front of it.
"To this day, the originally complex compass wind direction name still occupies a place in the navigation world. Will it be changed with the development of technology in the future?"
Compass Direction in Culture
In addition to modern European naming methods, many cultures also have their own compass direction systems, such as China's 24 directions, which are closely related to China's twelve earthly branches.The system can provide precise and easy-to-understand directional guidance in nautical exploration, which also reflects the influence of cultural background on navigation technology.
Conclusion
The vocabulary system of the compass is the result of the integration and development of various cultures, demonstrating the wisdom and creation of human beings when dealing with the natural environment.Different naming systems are not only different languages, but also the crystallization of the evolution of history, culture and technology.Faced with such a complex compass wind direction naming system, can we find a more concise way of expression in the present and maintain its cultural value?
