The purpose of a compass is to help determine direction relative to the Earth's magnetic poles. A compass consists of a magnetic needle that aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, which points towards magnetic north. Users can then orient themselves and navigate by finding other cardinal directions such as east, south, and west. Compasses are essential tools for hikers, sailors, and travelers, aiding in navigation and location tracking. They are simple, portable, and reliable aids for finding the right direction without the need for electronic devices.