I saw this one online
http://www.globalspec.com/FeaturedPr...ompass/38594/0
Is it possible to use something like this on the NIT?
Would be nice with maemo mapper when you leave the car behind and walk.

Looks like this will be a simple serial usb adaptor with the compass on the end, so yes it should work (or at the very least not need too much effort to get it to work).

Still see if you can find out some more info about the usb chipset if possible.

GPXView has a compass. Its set to point the compass towards a specific geocache/position, but to get compass functionality you could set your geocache to be North. On downside is that you need to be moving for the GPS to determine your orientation.

A compass dangling off a wire is going to be difficult to relate to your screen position (maybe if we're lucky there will be one integrated into the n900?)

Alternative hardware, maybe:
https://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/pr...oducts_id=8806

the next device needs to include a quantum electro-magnet assembly running on dilithium crystals so that it can emit a huge EM burst and automatically align the earth with its field.

This would enable the user to always know they are pointing in a Northerly direction after pressing the button.

That's not the same. The GPS only knows the direction if you are moving as it assumes you are facing the direction you are moving. And this only works if you are faster then the gps accuracy is. So this doesn't work if moving slowly or standing still.

I'd be in fact very interested in adding support for such a sensor to gpxview so the compass view also works when standing still. Anyone willing to donate such a sensor?

MoG