What is Brunton Compass?
A Brunton Compass is a specialized instrument used widely by those needing to make an accurate degree and angle measurements in the field. It is properly known as the Brunton Pocket Transit. David W. Brunton, a Canadian Geologist invented it in 1894.
Brunton compass consists of plastic, non-chip gray case weight 12 ounces its case is water-resistant and sealed against dust with Brunton closed it is 2 ⅝ inches wide and 3 ⅛ inches long, and 1 ⅜ height. It has a fitting clasp on one side and on the opposite side allowing the instrument to open at an angle of 180 degrees.
Brunton Compass Parts
Different parts are listed below
- Mirror
- Lift pin for needle
- Compass card
- Sighting arm
- Needle
- Bull’s eye level
- Clinometer level
- Compass needle
Brunton compass parts and uses
Now, we will discuss the uses of different parts
Clinometer level
Clinometer level is used to:
- Align the vertical edge of the compass with the angle of the plane
- Adjust bubble level of clinometer
- Read angle from vernier scale on the compass
- Take azimuth measurements of dip
Bull eyes level
- Used to take angle measurements of the strike.
Compass needle
- Points to magnetic North and it is damped using the magnet below the pivot point. But the bearing can be adjusted accordingly by rotating the declination zero pin.
Compass card
- 360-degree Graduated Circle – Used for azimuth readings that are accurate to half of a degree.
Clinometer scale
- Used for measuring dip using the long level on the vernier.
Lift needle pin
- Helps to lock the needle in place in order to take a reading.
Vernier
- The vernier is used for inclination measurements with an accuracy of 30 minutes.
Brunton Compass uses
Brunton compass is used by geologists for different purposes in the field. It is a very useful instrument for the measurement of angles, dip, and strike.
The device is also used for:
- Determining the magnetic declination
- The concept of domain
- Measuring the attitude of the plane
- Measuring the bearing of a line between two-point
- Using the compass for the two-point problem
- Measuring strike and dip
- The direction of the earth and maps
