In what direction does the direction-of-travel arrow on a compass point?

The direction-of-travel arrow on a compass is designed to indicate the direction you are traveling. This arrow allows users to align their compass with their intended path, hence it points straight ahead in the direction the user is moving. Understanding this is critical for navigation, as it enables a person to accurately determine their trajectory relative to a map or geographical features.

When navigating, it's essential to distinguish between the direction you are facing and the direction you are actually traveling. The direction you are facing might change based on your orientation, but the direction-of-travel arrow consistently aligns with your forward motion. Therefore, having the arrow point in the direction of travel helps ensure that you maintain the correct course and reach your target effectively.