The compas direction on the elevation circle is wrong

[CD130]

If every change has to preserve the old way of doing things, innovation simply comes to a standstill Not every new design will be everyone’s favorite right away, but progress sometimes means moving on from older concepts 🧭

In another topic, I already mentioned that I’m not a fan of the current display. You now have to constantly think about which direction you’re heading, whereas it should be something you can understand at a glance.

[Guzzist]

@Con-Hennekens said:

It seems current generations do not have much experience with (analogue) compasses anymore

[Dave J 0]

@CD130 Agree. Using a compass is to align North and then use the analogue compass to show you direction/heading you need to travel in. I then can use that dereliction to know that I and riding in the correct general direction. Knowing where North is may be fine but it is the direction of travel that matters with the app. I want a simple indication that saves me having to think.

[M. Schrijver]

I've never an old analogue compass at all. Maybe that is the reason why i think it is more logical that the red bar shows the direction your heading and north always is on top on the compass.
If this view is used does the compass then also be more sensible in the North Up view?

[white.mouse]

@Dave-J-0 said:
I want a simple indication that saves me having to think.

Well the red segment always points to the north.
And the four directions have always been North - East - South - West, clockwise!
How simple do yo want!

[LennyO]

@white.mouse Actually a compass rose like this or similar instead of just segments would help a lot!

[Dave J 0]

@white.mouse It is simple. As your picture shows with North up and all cardinals marked. However, remove the cardinals and have red segment (North) rotating and you have to start thinking which direction you are heading. This is the point that a lot of people are making with wanting a quick, clear idea of what direction they are travelling in, particularly as the North up view does not allow you to zoom out.

A compass is not just about knowing where North is but allows you to see the direction of travel and other paper map reading uses. I use Scenic app on occasions and the compass is great because I see where North is and, at the top, is the direction of travel as S, SW, SE etc.

This thread also talks about the same issue (for some): https://forum.myrouteapp.com/topic/10855/compass-with-direction/5?_=1786207196667

[M. Schrijver]

In the current situation where the red bar shows north and the bar is on right side of the compass, you need do a conversion to conclude you are riding in west direction. When the red bar shows the direction you're heading. You instant know you're riding to the east.

[Brian McG]

the app & display are doing exactly as designed / intended
the issue is that in North Up mode you have to do the mental gymnastics that it shows 2 differing north at the same time

I have to say I find 2 norths a slightly confusing concepts but it is easily resolved
either use a different compass mode, I normally use dynamic so this is not a problem for me

or turn of the altitude display completely, its not really important / relevant information
& I would rather use the few brain cells I have on figuring out what is happening ahead of me on the road than deciding which north is real

[Guzzist]

@M.-Schrijver ...that's the same idea like in the map, if you use the north up view

[Con Hennekens]

If the red segment did show the direction of travel, it would not be called a compass. A compass just shows where North is. I bet in about ten years people also cannot read analogue clocks anymore To be honest, if we have to think about the direction of travel when we know where North is, knowing the direction of travel probably has little value at all.

Maybe a green segment showing the direction of travel is an idea?
Or indeed an extra ring showing N, E, S and W.

[Rob Verhoeff]

I usually get off my bike, find a tree, and check which side has the most moss growing on it!

[Con Hennekens]

@Rob-Verhoeff, Tip From Flip: check the time, look at the sun, no need to get off your bike

[Rob Verhoeff]

@Con-Hennekens only works with no clouds

[Dave J 0]

@Con-Hennekens ring with N, S, E and W would be helpful or as the image I posted above.

And the importance of direction or travel with using a compass: https://osmaps.com/discover/guides/a-beginners-guide-to-using-a-compass/

[LennyO]

@Con-Hennekens i agree! And wholeheartedly vote for the N, S, W, E marking on the segment ring.
Personally, my map is oriented North, making the compass unnecessary. But during pracricing all the options i found this red segment confusing, thus i created this topic. Turns out i was not the only one. I am sure there are many more who are just silent or do not use the forum. So, hopefully something good will come out of it!