Magnetic Needle South-Pointing (Northern Song)

Timeline

1. c. 1044Bianjing · KaifengZeng Gongliang and others compiled the Wujing Zongyao, first systematically recording in an official military text the method of rubbing an iron needle with lodestone and floating it in a bowl of water or suspending it to point south, incorporating magnetic needle technique into military and marching knowledge.
2. 1051–1060Southeastern coast and canal ports · ZhejiangIn the 1050s magnetic needle south-pointing became more common among southeastern boatmen and geomantic practitioners, laying foundations for later wet compasses and maritime navigation; this node falls within the 1051–1060 window.