Imantree › Prayer Times › Qibla GPS vs. Compass
Qibla Direction Accuracy: Great-Circle GPS vs. Magnetometer vs. Sun Shadow
Magnetic phone cases, steel rebar, and speakers often skew magnetometer sensors. Combining true spherical great-circle bearings with physical landmarks gives bulletproof accuracy.
| Method | Accuracy | Interference Risk | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spherical Great-Circle Bearing | Exact (< 0.5°) | Zero (pure geodesic math) | Look up exact degree on Imantree Qibla Finder |
| Phone Magnetometer Compass | Variable (2°–20°) | High near metal/cases | Hold flat away from laptops & speakers |
| Kaaba Sun Zenith (May 28 & Jul 16) | Exact (0° error) | Requires clear sunlight | Face sun at 12:18 / 12:27 Mecca time |
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App StoreGoogle Play🌐 Open Web App📱 Phone QRFrequently Asked Questions
- Why does New York face North-East (~58°) toward Mecca?
- Because Earth is spherical, the shortest great-circle geodesic from eastern North America crosses the North Atlantic at ~58°–59° ENE.
- How do I avoid compass interference indoors?
- Cross-check your exact city bearing against sunlight direction or exterior building alignment shown on a map.