La compass Rose It is a symbol used since ancient times to represent the cardinal points and directions on a compass. This symbol is made up of a circle inside which is an eight-pointed star that represents the four cardinal points (north, south, east and west) and the intermediate points (northeast, northwest, southeast and southwest). Since ancient times it has had great importance for navigation.
In this article we are going to tell you what the wind rose is, its characteristics, importance and much more.
Key features
The compass rose was used as a navigational tool in ancient times, especially in maritime navigation. Sailors used it to orient themselves and determine the direction of the wind, which it allowed them to plot routes and maintain the desired course. This was essential, especially in areas where changing climatic conditions occurred, as is the case with winds of Spain.
In addition to its practical utility, the wind rose also acquired a symbolic meaning. It was considered a symbol of protection and good fortune for sailors, as it helped them find their way through the oceans and return safely to port.
Nowadays, The compass rose is still used in navigation and has also become a popular decorative element on maps., compasses and other objects related to exploration and adventure. Its attractive design and rich history make it a recognized symbol around the world and a visual representation of direction and direction.
Some history
The need for precise targeting has arisen primarily in the context of navigation. On land, landmarks such as mountains or rivers serve as useful markers for orientation. However, when it comes to the vast expanse of the ocean, these markers are largely absent. This presented a challenge for sailors on long-distance voyages, as they had to determine the direction of the winds in order to chart their course.
Each of the prevailing winds had its own distinctive name, and the direction of their respective courses was established based on the point of origin. By way of illustration, the Greeks referred to the wind that emanated from the North as Aparctias, while the Hispanics identified it as Tramontano, and the Romans nicknamed it Septentrio.
The north-northwest wind has been called Thrascias by the Greeks and Romans, and Cierzo by the Hispanics. To represent the different directions of the wind, a symbol with multiple points was created, which resembles the petals of a rose. This symbol is commonly recognized as the wind rose.
In 1375, the wind rose was made public for the first time on a world map created by the Majorcan Jew Abraham Cresques. This compass rose contained the names of the eight primary winds of the Mediterranean and the 32 directions. It should be noted that Pliny the Elder had already given an account of it in Book II of his Natural History, which dates from the year 74 AD.
Compass rose and cardinal points
The four fundamental directions in the plane of the earth's horizon are known as cardinal points. If we stand in the center of a vast meadow and scan our surroundings, we will be looking at the plane of the horizon, the line that separates the sky from the ground. Besides, the horizon can be observed to the naked eye at the midpoint of an oceanic expanse. This ability to observe the horizon is crucial for navigation, especially in regions like the Mediterranean, where the wind rose was essential.
The cardinal points are crucial for navigation, as there are four main directions that can be taken: north, south, east, and west. Each direction leads to an imaginary location on the horizon known as the cardinal point.
The location that corresponds to the Earth's magnetic pole, and therefore attracts a compass needle, is commonly known as North. On the contrary, the location that is in the opposite direction is called South. When looking north, the point on the right is labeled east, while the point on the left is labeled west.
To convey the direction in which we are heading to another person, we need a reference point for the four cardinal points. This reference point is Earth's magnetic North, which is located near the North Pole. Magnetic North generates a powerful magnetic field that attracts a magnetized needle.
How to orient yourself with the wind rose
The main cardinal point is North, which serves as a reference for the other three cardinal points. By orienting towards it, we can easily identify the other directions. South is located on the opposite side, behind us, while East is located on our right side and West on our left.
Lacking a compass that can determine the direction of the cardinal points, the Sun can serve as a guideThis is because the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, a phenomenon that also influences navigation.
To orient yourself in the cardinal points, a simple gesture will suffice. Open your arms in the shape of a cross, extending your right hand towards the point where the Sun rises and your left hand towards where it sets. This will put north in front of you, south behind you, east to your right, and west to your left.
The 32 directions indicated by the wind rose are established starting with the 4 cardinal points and continuing to add additional directions. The position of these directions can also be determined by observing the path of various stars in the sky. Dividing the circumference of the compass rose into 360 degrees makes it easy to set any heading.
What is it used for?
The wind rose is a tool that fulfills two main functions: to help us determine our location in space and to establish a direction, or course, that aligns with the terrestrial plane. This device is present in all cartographic maps and It serves to indicate the cardinal direction of North in relation to the layout of the map.
The compass rose serves a variety of purposes, ranging from aiding navigation to ensuring the correct location of a building on the ground. Originally, the wind rose had a specific purpose: to assist in setting navigational courses for seafarers on the open sea. This navigation tool is also known as a nautical rose.
With the advent of the compass and its integration with the wind rose system, navigation became much easier and more accurate. This precision is vital considering how storms can affect navigation. As technology has progressed, radar, satellites, and GPS devices have replaced the need for a compass rose.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the wind rose and its usefulness.
