Points of the compass limit of the compass point. By the middle of the 18th century, the 32-point system had been further extended by using half- and quarter-points to give a total of 128 directions. These fractional points are named by appending, for example east, east, or east to the name of one of the 32 points. Each of the 96 fractional points can be named in two ways, depending on which of the two adjoining whole points is used, for example, NE is equivalent to NbEN. Either form is easily understood but alternative conventions as to correct usage developed in different countries and
Azimuth compass an azimuth compass designed by Gowin Knight to Joseph Banks for the voyage of HMS "Resolution" commanded by Captain James Cook in 1772. The instrument cost ₤80.0.0. On 6 February 1808 the American sealer "Topaz", commanded by Captain Mayhew Folger, arrived at Pitcairn Island to take on fresh water. There he found thirty five survivors of the Mutiny on the Bounty led by John Adams, who gave Folger the HMS "Bounty"'s azimuth compass and chronometer. Azimuth compass An azimuth compass (or azimuthal compass) is a nautical instrument used to measure the magnetic azimuth, the angle of the arc on the