compass.getCurrentHeading

Get the current compass heading.

navigator.compass.getCurrentHeading(compassSuccess, compassError, compassOptions);

Description

The compass is a sensor that detects the direction or heading that the device is pointed, typically from the top of the device. It measures the heading in degrees from 0 to 359.99, where 0 is north.

The compass heading information is returned via a CompassHeading object using the [compassSuccess](parameters/compassSuccess.html) callback function.

Supported Platforms

  • Android
  • BlackBerry 10
  • iOS
  • Tizen
  • Windows Phone 7 and 8 (if available in hardware)
  • Windows 8

Quick Example

function onSuccess(heading) {
    alert('Heading: ' + heading.magneticHeading);
};

function onError(error) {
    alert('CompassError: ' + error.code);
};

navigator.compass.getCurrentHeading(onSuccess, onError);

Full Example

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
  <head>
    <title>Compass Example</title>

    <script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" src="cordova.js"></script>
    <script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8">

    // Wait for device API libraries to load
    //
    document.addEventListener("deviceready", onDeviceReady, false);

    // device APIs are available
    //
    function onDeviceReady() {
        navigator.compass.getCurrentHeading(onSuccess, onError);
    }

    // onSuccess: Get the current heading
    //
    function onSuccess(heading) {
        alert('Heading: ' + heading.magneticHeading);
    }

    // onError: Failed to get the heading
    //
    function onError(compassError) {
        alert('Compass Error: ' + compassError.code);
    }

    </script>
  </head>
  <body>
    <h1>Example</h1>
    <p>getCurrentHeading</p>
  </body>
</html>