Brand Spotlight | Brunton Compasses: 130 Years of Pointing the Way
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Introduction
If you studied geology at any university in North America, you almost certainly used a Brunton compass in your field course. Patented in 1894 by Canadian-born geologist David W. Brunton, the Pocket Transit has been the gold standard for structural geology measurements for 130 years.
Today, Brunton is a woman-owned, geologist-led family business based in Riverton, Wyoming. Their compasses are still hand-built in the same facility where they’ve been manufactured for five decades. Deakin is proud to be an authorized Brunton dealer, carrying the full range of professional transit compasses and the new Geo Lite line.
Why Brunton Remains the Standard
In an age of digital instruments and smartphone apps, why do professional geologists still rely on an analog compass? The answer comes down to reliability, precision, and independence from batteries or satellite signals.
Magnetic Induction Damping: Unlike fluid-dampened compasses, the Brunton uses magnetic induction to settle the needle quickly. This means no bubbles, no fluid leaks, and consistent performance from −40°C Arctic conditions to tropical heat.
Integrated Clinometer: Measure strike and dip in a single operation. The internal clinometer reads to 1° graduations with ±0.5° accuracy — precise enough for detailed structural mapping.
Declination Adjustment: Full ±180° declination correction means your compass works accurately anywhere on Earth without conversion tables or mental math.
Built for a Lifetime: Hard-anodized aluminum body, sapphire jewel bearing, O-ring sealed internals, and a precision NdFeB disc magnet. Brunton backs their Geo Transit with a lifetime warranty because they build it to last.
Choosing the Right Brunton
We carry several models to fit different needs and budgets:
• Geo Transit: The professional standard. Measures dip angle and dip azimuth simultaneously. Ideal for structural geologists, mining engineers, and field mappers who need the full capability set.
• Geo Lite Transit: A baseplate compass with transit functionality. Lighter weight, lower cost, and ideal for students and field geologists who want transit features without the bulk. This is the newest addition to the Brunton lineup and has been very popular.
• Standard Pocket Transit: The classic model. Available in basic and complete configurations for traditional strike-and-dip measurement.
A Note for Students
If you’re heading into your first field geology course, a Brunton compass will likely be on your required equipment list. Deakin offers a 10% student discount on select items, including Brunton compasses. Sign up on our website with your student ID to receive your discount code.
Your first Brunton may well be the last compass you ever need. Treat it well, and it will serve you from undergraduate field school through a full career in the earth sciences.
Call to Action: Shop Brunton Compasses at deakin.com.
Students: sign up for your 10% educational discount today.