North south east west: 32-point compass rose The points of

32-point compass rose The points of the compass are a set of horizontal, radially arrayed compass directions (or azimuths) used in navigation and cartography. A compass rose is primarily composed of four cardinal directions — north , east , south , and west —each separated by 90 degrees, and secondarily divided by four ordinal (intercardinal) directions—northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest—each located halfway between two cardinal directions. Some disciplines such as ... North , south , east and west are the four main cardinal directions or cardinal points. They are commonly denoted by their initials where N stands for north , S for south , E for east and W for west . The directions East and West are positioned at right angles to the North and South directions. Learn about the four main compass directions ( north , south , east , west ) and their intercardinal and subintercardinal variations. Find out how to determine and use cardinal directions in navigation, astronomy, and other fields.