Magnetic and true north

Read a compass, follow a bearing, and understand two kinds of north.

All worksheets

5 questions0m 0s

Learn the skill

Hold a magnetic compass level and away from magnets or large metal objects. Let the needle settle. The north-seeking end follows the local magnetic field. True north and magnetic north can differ; that angle is declination. Practice with an adult in a familiar safe place.

Worked example

On a compass rose, north is 0 degrees, east 90, south 180, and west 270. The map must show how it is oriented.

Compass rose with north 0, east 90, south 180, west 270 degrees and clockwise direction.

Would you believe it?

A compass and a map can disagree about north without either being broken. Magnetic north and true north are different.

USGS: magnetic declination

Question 1 What is magnetic declination? The angle between magnetic and true north A measure of rainfall The length of a compass

Question 2 Can declination change with place and time? No Only if the map is wet Yes

Question 3 A lesson specifies 10 degrees east declination. Magnetic bearing 80 converts to what true bearing? 800 degrees 90 degrees 70 degrees

Question 4 Why check the map date and local declination source? An old correction can be out of date The needle reads the date North never changes

Question 5 Does one bearing tell you your position? Yes, always Only if it is 90 degrees No, direction alone is not location

Review your work

0correct

Complete the questions to review each answer.

View dashboard