What does a compass primarily measure?

A compass primarily measures direction relative to the Earth's magnetic poles. This is because a compass functions based on the principle that the magnetic needle inside it aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field. As the needle is magnetized, it naturally points toward magnetic north, allowing users to determine their orientation in terms of cardinal directions (north, east, south, and west). Understanding and utilizing this functionality is crucial for navigation, whether in outdoor activities like hiking or in various forms of transportation.

Regarding the other aspects, a compass does not measure distance between two geographical points, which involves different tools or methods such as distance measuring devices or GPS technology. Additionally, it doesn't provide information on altitude above sea level, which is typically measured using altimeters. Finally, while a compass interacts with the Earth's magnetic field, it does not measure the intensity of that field; rather, it responds to it in its design to indicate direction.