compass deviation card: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical / Nautical / Aviation
Quick answer
What does “compass deviation card” mean?
A small card or placard mounted near a magnetic compass in an aircraft or ship, listing the corrections (deviation) that must be applied to the compass reading for different headings to obtain an accurate magnetic direction.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small card or placard mounted near a magnetic compass in an aircraft or ship, listing the corrections (deviation) that must be applied to the compass reading for different headings to obtain an accurate magnetic direction.
A calibration record specific to a vessel or aircraft that accounts for local magnetic disturbances caused by its own metal structure and equipment, essential for accurate navigation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The term is identical in both variants. Potential minor spelling differences in related documentation (e.g., 'calibre' vs. 'caliber') do not apply to the term itself.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in aviation and maritime contexts.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both dialects, used exclusively by pilots, navigators, and marine personnel.
Grammar
How to Use “compass deviation card” in a Sentence
The pilot consulted the compass deviation card.Every vessel must have a valid compass deviation card.The deviation for heading 180° is read from the card.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “compass deviation card” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The compass was swung to generate the data for the new compass deviation card.
American English
- We need to card the compass this afternoon.
adjective
British English
- The compass-deviation-card data is critical for the audit.
American English
- He checked the compass deviation card holder for corrosion.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in highly specialized textbooks or papers on navigation, aviation technology, or maritime studies.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in aviation and marine navigation. Refers to a mandatory piece of equipment/data for correcting magnetic compass errors.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “compass deviation card”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “compass deviation card”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “compass deviation card”
- Calling it a 'compass *variation* card' (variation is geographic, deviation is local).
- Using 'compass deviation chart' interchangeably (a 'chart' is typically a larger document, while a 'card' is the mounted placard).
- Pronouncing 'deviation' as /ˌdevɪˈeɪʃən/ instead of /ˌdiːviˈeɪʃən/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A compass deviation card is a calibration table for a specific vehicle's compass. A compass rose is a diagram on a map showing north orientation.
A qualified compass adjuster or technician creates it by performing a 'compass swing'—measuring the compass error on multiple known headings.
Almost never. It applies to fixed compasses in vehicles (ships, aircraft) where large metal masses cause significant local deviation.
Deviation (on the card) is the error caused by the ship/aircraft. Variation (not on the card) is the angular difference between Magnetic North and True North, found on nautical charts.
A small card or placard mounted near a magnetic compass in an aircraft or ship, listing the corrections (deviation) that must be applied to the compass reading for different headings to obtain an accurate magnetic direction.
Compass deviation card is usually technical / nautical / aviation in register.
Compass deviation card: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌmpəs ˌdiːviˈeɪʃən ˌkɑːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌmpəs ˌdiviˈeɪʃən ˌkɑrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a compass needing a 'cheat card' to tell it how to DEVIATE correctly. The CARD compensates for the craft's own magnetic field.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CORRECTION MANIFESTO for the compass. The card 'speaks' for the ship's metal, telling the compass what adjustment to make.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a compass deviation card?