Navigating Without a Magnetic Sensor: How to Use a Compass App Effectively
Modern smartphones are equipped with numerous sensors that provide valuable data to various applications, including the compass app. However, without a magnetic sensor, using a compass app may require a bit more effort. This article explores how to navigate and use a compass app effectively on devices that lack a magnetic sensor.
Understanding the 9-Axis Sensor in Smartphones
Inside the iPhone and many other smartphones is a 9-axis sensor array that includes three axes: accelerometer, gyrometer, and magnetometer. The magnetometer is critical for compass functionality. Here's a quick breakdown:
Accelerometer
The accelerometer measures the force of gravity and helps determine the device's tilt with respect to "down."
Gyrometer
The gyrometer measures angular velocity in pitch, yaw, and roll, providing information on the device's movement in space.
Magnetometer
The magnetometer is an electronic compass that measures the strength of a local magnetic field. By arranging three orthogonal sensors, the direction of the field can be calculated. Smartphones typically use miniaturized microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) magnetometers to detect and measure magnetic fields for compass functions.
Inside the MEMS integrated circuit is a tiny magnet that tries to align with the Earth's magnetic field, and the force of that alignment is measured by the sensor.
Using a Compass App Without a Magnetic Sensor
If your device doesn't have a magnetometer, you can still use a compass app that works via GPS. This is particularly useful for users who might not have access to a magnetic sensor but still require navigational assistance. Here’s how to do it:
Check the App Description
Before downloading a compass app, check its description for details on how it works. Many apps will indicate whether they use GPS, magnetometers, or other sensors. The app "Compass: Directional Compass" on Google Play, for example, supports GPS-based navigation.
App Store Link: Compass: Directional Compass
Gyroscopic Compass with Periodic Alignment
A gyroscopic compass can be used as an alternative, but it requires periodic alignment with a true north direction (either a magnetic compass or a known direction) to correct for drift. This is due to the inherent limitations of gyroscopes in maintaining accurate orientation over extended periods without periodic realignments.
Using Google Maps for Compass Navigation
One of the easiest methods is to use Google Maps on your smartphone. Within the app, when you enter navigation mode or view the actual street view, you will find a compass icon at the bottom. This compass corrects itself using real-time internet data, providing accurate direction and navigation. Simply open Google Maps, enter your location, and follow the directions displayed on the screen.
App Store Link: Google Maps
Device Considerations
Samsung and other brands often make budget devices without magnetometers. For instance, the J7 series from Samsung lacks this sensor, even in more recent models. If you need to use a compass app for third-party applications, a device without a magnetometer will be largely useless. Investing in a more advanced device with a magnetometer will provide a more reliable user experience.
Conclusion
While magnetic sensors are essential for accurate compass functionality, there are alternative methods to navigate and use a compass app effectively on devices without these sensors. GPS-based navigation and gyroscopic compasses with periodic alignment are viable options. By choosing the right app and device, you can ensure smooth and accurate navigation even without a magnetic sensor.