Can you box the compass?

[purplepoppy]

The compass is broken down to degrees but it's easier to remember "north east" than 11.25°.
Boxing the compass is listing all 32 directions starting at North. (Originally it was 138 points but let's keep it simple)

But to what extent can you box a compass and who learnt you?

Cardinal points (N E S W) 4 points

Intercardinal points (NE SE SW NW) 8 points

Half points (NNE ENE ESE...) 16 points

Quater by points (NxE NExN ExN...) 32 points

[wallyworld12]

who is this purple poppy girl? I feel like you sit down with a team of people and think of this stuff? 😂 They range from all kinds of made up scenarios to mathematical compasses/challenges. I feel like someone kidnapped poppy and then posted on their account lol. Prob not, but.. to be in your head.. where do you come up with this stuff 😂 it's hilarious.. I bet you a handful irl.. I can only imagine. What made you think of boxing in a compass?

[purplepoppy]

Boxing the compass is a basic skill a lot of people have i was just curious to what extent people were taught

[wallyworld12]

No it's a interesting question. I just find it interesting that you are interested in knowing compasses. 😂 I mean.. it seems random I guess because I don't know many people that use compasses for navigation. It is all electronic now.. I guess that's why Its funny to randomly see. Your questions are entertaining... Very diverse lol. You speak to a wide audience on different topics. The brain of poppy 🧠 what will happen next 😂

[purplepoppy]

I assume from the fact your wearing sunglasses with blue lens that you have a boat

[wallyworld12]

If I had a boat I would probably use a compass 😂 good point. Owning a boat doesn't seem like a bad idea. Maybe I'll buy a compass then. Seems easier than trying to follow the stars.

[wallyworld12]

Unless I'm in the Bermuda triangle.. then I'm fucked

[andreasderjuengere]

I'm a sports sailor - so I'm pretty much used to it.
Mathematically, it indeed makes little sense; but ''we'' found ways to handle the mess.

Someone -long ago- had the idea of splitting a day into 2 x 12 hours.
The rest derives from that.

Once nonsense is established, humans refuse to get rid of it;
compare: the ''imperial'' measurement system :D

[SaoirseS]

I can do half points but usually inter cardinal points is enough. My oldest brother was a hobby pilot, so I learned compass skills from him (heading in degrees most times). The Army familiarized me with mils for calculating indirect fire.

[ChrisMaster69]

I can do the half points.

We used to have to map out points for compass swings on aircraft and as a bit of fun would also do half points.

Standby compasses sometimes have 16 but usually 8 points.

[goaded]

16 points, I never got "by East", etc. But now: yes and you!

[purplepoppy]

I was taught up to 16 points by a retired fisherman as a child. He could do 32 points in both directions.

[goaded]

I would not be able to do it quickly!

[AviatorTom]

I learned the cardinal compass points in elementary school and the half compass points in high school. I never saw quarter by points until just now.

[msc545]

I have been sailing since I was age 5 and have competed in many long-distance races and have done a lot of cruising. I damn well better know how to box a compass as well as many other navigational chores.

[matchrestore]

I know the quarter by points, but trying to name off all 32 in order would be tricky

[bean2k21]

Black people who have been killed, murdered, injured, traumatized, or made ill by systemic racism, all started by a white man with a compass.

[clampfan101]

I can go as far as C, and can also do the 360 degrees.
I’ve never seen D.

[clampfan101]

I understand D now that I’ve seen it, but don’t plan on bothering trying to memorize it. rofl

[EssenceOfLight]

16 points mostly used in weather reports, for more precisely bearing are degrees better anyway.
I have a motorboat license for the sea.

[SpaceGalaxy]

I can't believe i saw this question on GAG!!! Refreshing to see this after all i read on here

[Redstang88]

D, I’m a mariner so kinda required

[Old_Golden]

Horatio Hornblower/ C. S. Forester taught me

[Pete671]

Yes learnt in Scouts,,,