What is the purpose of a compass rose on a map?

The purpose of a compass rose on a map is to show cardinal directions. This essential element typically features the four primary compass points—north, south, east, and west—along with potentially intermediate directions like northeast and southwest. By clearly indicating these orientations, the compass rose helps users understand the directional layout of the map, facilitating navigation and the ability to determine the relative positioning of other features on the map.

While a scale for measurement is vital for interpreting distances on a map, it is represented separately and does not serve the same role as the compass rose. Similarly, weather information is not included within the compass rose as it pertains to different aspects of navigation. Marking significant historical points may be an important feature on maps, but it is also distinct from the directional purpose that the compass rose fulfills. Therefore, the identification of cardinal directions is the specific function that defines the compass rose.