Use of the magnetic compass in Chinese navigation (11th–16th centuries)

1. Early magnetic direction-finding in Song China

   Jan 1, 1044Labels: Northern Song, Magnetic device

   • Wujing Zongyao
   • Compass history

2. Wujing Zongyao records the “south-pointing fish”

   Jan 1, 1044Labels: Wujing Zongyao, South-pointing fish

   • Wujing Zongyao
   • Shen Kuo

3. Shen Kuo explains magnetized needles and true north

   Jan 1, 1088Labels: Shen Kuo, Dream Pool

   • Dream Pool
   • Shen Kuo

4. Zhu Yu records ship pilots using the compass

   Jan 1, 1119Labels: Zhu Yu, Pingzhou Table

   • Zhu Yu
   • Compass history

5. Compass becomes embedded in Chinese sailing directions

   Jan 1, 1200Labels: Rutters, Sailing directions

   • Cambridge JCH
   • Compass history

6. 24-point directional system improves navigational precision

   Jan 1, 1200Labels: 24-point system, Song navigational

   • Shen Kuo
   • Cambridge JCH

7. Quantitative sailing directions develop alongside charts

   Jan 1, 1400Labels: Nautical charts, Quantitative directions

   • J Navigation

8. Zheng He voyages rely on organized navigational practice

   Jul 11, 1405Labels: Zheng He, Ming voyages

   • J Navigation
   • Mao Kun map

9. Zheng He nautical charts compiled in the 15th century

   Jan 1, 1450Labels: Zheng He, Nautical charts

   • J Navigation
   • Mao Kun map

10. Legacy: compass supports repeatable routes and wider exchange

    Jan 1, 1600Labels: Compass legacy, Maritime toolkit

    • Cambridge JCH
    • Compass history

11. Mao Yuanyi compiles Wubei Zhi, preserving navigation knowledge

    Jan 1, 1621Labels: Mao Yuanyi, Wubei Zhi

    • Wubei Zhi
    • CHSTM

12. Wubei Zhi published with the Mao Kun navigation charts

    Jan 1, 1628Labels: Mao Kun, Wubei Zhi

    • Mao Kun map
    • Wubei Zhi