GPS doesn't know what direction it is pointing when it is not moving, or is moving very slowly. Thus a supplemental compass might prove useful.
Not always true. More modern GPSr have multi-axis compasses and give accurate direction even when motionless. My Garmin 62s for example. I do have to remember to recalibrate the compass after every battery change tho. But no matter what I always keep at least one magnetic compass with me.
I was referring to GPS as the satellite nav system, not the particular electronic gadget in one's hand. "GPS" has started to have varying meanings as onboard maps, onboard food & gas & whatever databases start to be delivered in the gadget.
Some GPS gadgets have a flux-gate compass, some don't. Some have McDonald's restaurant locations, some don't.
Some even have cellphones attached to them!
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