Align the map with your device compass

Use the compass

1. Set your observer location and open the map.
2. Tap the compass icon in the right-side toolbar.
3. When your browser asks, allow access to Motion & Orientation.
4. Hold the device in the direction you want to view. The map changes to Horizontal mode and centres on that azimuth.

A short confirmation shows the selected heading in degrees and as a compass point, such as 170° (S). The map stays at that direction until you move it or tap the compass again; it does not continuously follow your movements.

What the control uses

The control reads the device’s compass or orientation sensor, not your GPS position. GPS establishes where you are, while the compass establishes which direction you are facing. Both can be useful together, but they are separate permissions and separate device capabilities.

On iPhone and iPad, the browser supplies a WebKit compass heading. On supported Android browsers, Sky Map 2000 uses an earth-referenced orientation reading. The app samples several readings briefly and uses the consistent direction, so an isolated erroneous reading does not immediately turn the map.

If the compass is unavailable or inaccurate

The feature requires HTTPS, a compatible phone or tablet, and browser permission for motion and orientation. If the app reports that a heading is unavailable, reload the page, tap the compass button again and check the browser’s permission settings. Device location permission alone is not enough.

Remove a magnetic case or accessory when testing. Magnetic fields, nearby metal, calibration quality and the way the device is held can all affect a consumer compass. Treat it as a practical orientation aid, not a navigation instrument or a precision telescope-pointing system.

Reading the aligned view

In Horizontal mode, the bottom readout gives the azimuth at the centre of the map, its cardinal direction, altitude and field of view. Once aligned, stars and planets shown near the centre correspond to the chosen direction above your local horizon. For the underlying terminology, see coordinate systems; for the other toolbar controls, see map controls and tools.