Compass headings are determined from the earth's magnetic fields in a horizontal plane. In a compass system each magnetometer reading must first be corrected for tilt. Then each reading must be compensated for the effects of nearby ferrous materials. Once the compass reading is tilt compensated and nearby ferrous material corrected, the declination angle should be applied to adjust magnetic north to true north.
Magnetoresistive sensors provide a solid state solution for building compass navigation systems.
Their high sensitivity and good repeatability, along with small size, results in a high accuracy and easy to integrate magnetic sensor. Honeywell's magnetoresistive sensors are excellent in these applications. For real-world examples of how Honeywell products have been used for compassing and navigation applications, please see our Applications page. All rights reserved.