Learning what true north means and how to use declination is important for being able to navigate with a map. In this article, we’ll talk about the differences and usages of truth north and declination. If this is helpful, leave a comment below and let us know if we should continue posting similar articles!
What Is True North?
True north, often referred to simply as “north,” is the geographic direction that points directly towards the Earth’s North Pole. It is one of the cardinal directions, along with south, east, and west. True North also serves as a fundamental reference point for navigation and orientation on the Earth’s surface.
True north represents the Earth’s axis of rotation. It is also the direction along which all lines of longitude converge at the North Pole. When you face true north, you are looking in the direction of the planet’s rotational axis. This extends through the Earth’s surface at the North Pole.
Unlike magnetic north, which is influenced by the Earth’s magnetic field and can vary in location over time, true north is a fixed reference point. This means that true north remains constant regardless of your location on Earth.
True north is a crucial reference for navigation. Also, it’s critical for astronomy, cartography, and various other fields where precise direction and alignment are required. It provides a stable and universally recognized point of reference for determining direction and establishing geographical coordinates. When using tools like maps, compasses, or GPS devices, true north is often the preferred reference point for accuracy in navigation and orientation.
What Is Declination?
Declination, in the context of geography and navigation, refers to the angular difference between true north and magnetic north. It is critical for navigation because it helps determine the correct direction when using a magnetic compass.
Declination can be expressed in degrees east or west, depending on whether magnetic north is east or west of true north in a given location. Here’s a breakdown:
- East Declination: If the magnetic north pole is east of true north in a particular area, the declination is expressed as a positive angle in degrees east. For example, if the magnetic compass points 10 degrees east of true north, the declination is said to be +10 degrees.
- West Declination: Conversely, if the magnetic north pole is west of true north in a particular area, the declination is expressed as a negative angle in degrees west. For example, if the magnetic compass points 10 degrees west of true north, the declination is said to be -10 degrees.
Declination values are not constant. They can vary from one location to another on the Earth’s surface. Also, the can change over time due to changes in the Earth’s magnetic field. To navigate accurately using a compass, maps, or GPS, it’s crucial to know the local declination and apply appropriate corrections when determining directions. Many maps and navigation tools provide information about the declination for specific regions, allowing navigators to make the necessary adjustments for accurate orientation.
Differences Between True North and Declination
Declination and true north are related concepts in the context of navigation, but they refer to different aspects of direction:
- True North:
- True north is the geographic North Pole, which is the point on the Earth’s surface that aligns with the planet’s rotational axis. It represents the direction towards the North Pole and is a fixed reference point on the Earth.
- True north does not change with time or location. It is the ultimate reference for determining direction on the Earth’s surface.
- Declination:
- Declination is the angular difference between true north and magnetic north, which is the direction a magnetic compass points. Magnetic north is influenced by the Earth’s magnetic field and may not align perfectly with true north.
- Declination is expressed in degrees east or west, depending on whether magnetic north is east or west of true north in a given location. It indicates how much a magnetic compass reading needs to be adjusted to align with true north.
- Declination varies from one location to another on the Earth’s surface and can change over time due to changes in the Earth’s magnetic field.
In Summary
True north is the fixed geographic reference point at the North Pole. And declination is the angular difference between true north and magnetic north. However, this can vary by location and change over time. Navigators and map users often need to account for declination to ensure accurate navigation when using magnetic compasses. Understanding declination is also helpful for adjusting maps and charts to align with true north.
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