How to use Compass AR

Get started

1. 1

   Choose a view

   The app starts in Perspective with the camera enabled on first use, and then remembers its view. Choose Bezel, Globe, Perspective or Free and allow the needed camera and location access.

2. 2

   Choose a compass or camera view

   Pick a view under the heading: Bezel, Globe, Perspective or Free. The bottom row holds Places, Look, Add pin, Camera and Map; Look changes what the view on screen shows, and ⋮ › Screen layout switches between Dock and Quick row. ⋮ › Settings lists every option in one place. Allow camera and location access when asked.

Measure

3. 3

   Align or lock the compass

   When markers sit off their places, open ⋮ › Align the compass: aim the crosshair at the Sun, the Moon, Polaris or a far saved place, or lay the phone along a shadow, and tap Align; the gyroscope keeps the correction. ⋮ › Lock compass holds the heading, and the dot under it shows how much the field around the phone disturbs the compass.

Save

4. 4

   Save places and use the map

   On the map, Add saves a place where you tap, or at your position; drag its pin or tap the map to move it, and Settings › Map › Place editor picks the Classic sheet or the Callout card. Tap a place for its card: Navigate, Show in AR, Align and Share. Route draws a path, Area an alert area, Places lists your places, and Heading up turns the map with the phone. On the Earth globe, drag to turn it, pinch to zoom, double-tap to come back, and tap the Sun or the Moon to see when it rises or sets.

Guided tour

Try these steps in the app. All tour instructions stay readable here.

1. 1

   Choose how to see direction

   Pick Bezel for the compass dial, Globe for a spatial overview, or Perspective or Free for camera views. Look changes the current view’s appearance.

2. 2

   Place a point on the map

   Use Add on the map to create a saved place at a chosen point or at your location. Give it a useful name and check its map position.

3. 3

   Bring the place into view

   Open a place’s card and choose Show in AR to see its direction over the camera, or Navigate for the destination guidance.

4. 4

   Check the alignment

   If places appear off their real direction, move away from magnetic interference and use Align the compass. A shadow offers an alignment reference without facing the Sun.

5. 5

   Keep a visual record

   Use the camera capture when you want to keep the direction and place context in a picture. The map and saved-place list remain available for later review.