Calculation of the deviation coefficients for marine magnetic compass

Abstract

The magnetic compass's deviation coefficients serve 
as a foundation for calculating the compass 
deviation and creating the compass deviation table, 
which is regarded as a technical certification for 
magnetic compasses installed on board ships. In 
order to acquire the deviation coefficients, a 
magnetic compass correction specialist must 
typically examine the deviation values in the 
compass's main course and then enter them into the 
deviation equation system. The eight primary 
directions—N, S, E, W, NE, SE, SW, and NW—are 
where the particular courses for requirements are 
located in the current manner. Eight equations are 
obtained by substituting these particular courses and 
their deviations into the deviation equation. The 
deviation coefficients are then determined by 
extending the equations. But there are a few 
disadvantages to this approach: The observed paths 
are unique; if there are less than eight observations, 
the equation cannot be solved. The author of this 
work proposes a novel technique for rapidly 
calculating the compass's deviation coefficients by 
tracking the compass's deviation in any course. This 
approach is simple to implement and does not 
require special course deviation observation.