compass deviation

compass deviation

[′käm·pəs ‚dēv·ē′ā·shən] (navigation) The difference between the readings of a compass which is without mechanical defects and is held motionless in space, and the same instrument when it is installed in the same geographic position but is mounted on a ship or aircraft; deviation is a systematic error which is compensated by placing iron bars in places about the compass; residual deviation errors are calibrated and noted on a card so it can be used by the pilot or navigator.