Navigating the Compass: Understanding Northwest and Its Subdivisions

When asking which way is north west, we are referring to the direction that is precisely halfway between north and west. Comprehending the intricacies of compass directions can greatly enhance your navigation skills. This article will delve into the nuances of the compass, explain the finer points like northwest, and address common misconceptions such as “north by northwest.”

Navigating Between Cardinal Points

Most people are familiar with the principal directions N, E, S, and W (North, East, South, and West), along with the intermediate directions NE, SE, SW, and NW (Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest). Some may even know the even finer subdivision of 32 compass points, which includes:

NNE (North-Northeast) ENE (East-Northeast) ESE (East-Southeast) SSE (South-Southeast) SSW (South-Southwest) WSW (West-Southwest) WNW (West-Northwest) NNW (North-Northwest) NW (Northwest)

Straddling NW on the compass rose, you will find northwest by north (NWbN) and northwest by west (WbNW).

It's important to note that phrases like “north by northwest” do not exist in compass terminology. The title of the movie North by Northwest is a play on words, as it references the direction NWbN, but from a creative standpoint rather than a practical one.

Compass Rose and Azimuth

A compass rose is a circle that shows the directions of the compass. Each cardinal point (North, South, East, and West) is marked, and intermediate points are indicated. Comprehending the azimuth is crucial to understanding compass directions.

On a 360-degree compass, the azimuth of north is 0 degrees, east is 90 degrees, south is 180 degrees, and west is 270 degrees. Therefore, northwest (NW) is at 315 degrees. Northwest by north (NWbN) can be calculated at 326.25 degrees, which is (frac{1}{32}) of 360 degrees north of northwest.

The following table shows the azimuths for the various compass points:

Direction Azimuth (Degrees) N (North) 0 or 360 NNE (North-Northeast) 22.5 NE (Northeast) 45 ENE (East-Northeast) 67.5 E (East) 90 SES (South-Northeast) 112.5 SSE (South-Southeast) 135 SSW (South-Southwest) 157.5 SW (Southwest) 180 WSW (West-Southwest) 202.5 W (West) 270 WNW (West-Northwest) 292.5 NW (Northwest) 315 NWbN (Northwest by North) 326.25

For anyone interested in learning more about compass directions, understanding the azimuths and the different points on the compass rose is essential. This knowledge can be particularly useful for navigation, mapping, or simply orienting yourself in unfamiliar environments.

Conclusion

The compass is a tool that has been invaluable for navigation for centuries. From the basic cardinal points to the more intricate 32-point system, understanding the nuances of compass directions can greatly enhance your ability to navigate effectively. Whether you're enjoying a walk in the wilderness or planning a long-distance trip, knowing how to read a compass can be a lifesaver.