- Define which physical line represents sitting and facing.
- Take several readings away from metal, wiring and vehicles.
- The facing and sitting bearings should be close to 180 degrees apart.
- Do not force a single sector when readings straddle a boundary.
1. What the Twenty-Four Mountains represent
The 360-degree compass is divided into twenty-four sectors of 15 degrees. Each sector carries a traditional name used by Xuan Kong and related Feng Shui methods. A classification only makes sense after the physical orientation has been measured consistently.
2. A repeatable measurement workflow
- Identify the building's dominant facing side using entrance, openness, activity and design context.
- Measure from more than one nearby position and record every reading.
- Move away from metal doors, reinforced concrete, electrical equipment and magnetic accessories.
- Measure the opposite bearing. Investigate large deviations from 180 degrees.
- Use the spread of readings to assign a confidence level.
3. Boundary handling
If repeat readings occupy two neighbouring mountains, preserve both candidates. Interpretations that change between them should be labelled low confidence until an on-site instrument and physical reference line can resolve the bearing.
4. Questions
Is a phone compass sufficient?
It can provide an initial reading, but local magnetic interference must be tested. Repeat readings and comparison with a calibrated compass improve reliability.
Should the main door always define the facing?
Not automatically. The building's form, open side, traffic, light and original design all matter. The chosen method should be recorded.