Geographic poles are set by Earth’s rotation; magnetic poles are defined by Earth’s changing magnetic field. A compass does not point straight to the magnetic North Pole: its needle aligns with the magnetic field where you are. The angle between that compass direction and true north is called magnetic declination.
What defines geographic north?
Earth’s geographic North Pole is where the planet’s rotation axis meets its surface. Geographic north is the direction along a meridian toward that pole. It is also called true north; USGS uses “geodetic north” and “geographic north” for this map reference.
What defines magnetic north?
Magnetic north is tied to Earth’s magnetic field, not its rotation axis. A magnetic compass responds to the field at the location where it is used. Because the field direction generally differs from true north, the compass direction and geographic north do not necessarily match. The magnetic poles and field change over time.
Does a compass point toward the magnetic pole?
No. The needle aligns with the local magnetic field; it does not aim along a straight line toward the distant magnetic pole. NOAA addresses this distinction in its geomagnetism FAQ.
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What is magnetic declination?
Magnetic declination is the angle between magnetic compass direction and true north. It depends on both location and time, so there is no single correction that applies everywhere. NOAA’s World Magnetic Model page identifies the 2025–2030 model. For a compass-and-map correction, use a declination value appropriate to the place and date rather than assuming the two north directions coincide.
How do true, grid, and magnetic north differ on a map?
Some topographic maps show three north references. USGS explains the distinction in its map north-arrows guide:
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- True north points toward the geographic North Pole.
- Grid north follows the map’s plane coordinate grid. It can differ from true north because a curved surface is projected onto a flat map.
- Magnetic north indicates the compass direction associated with Earth’s magnetic field.
A map’s magnetic information reflects conditions at the time it was made and may become outdated as the field changes. Check current, location-specific declination when using a map and compass for navigation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why magnetic pole coordinates need a date
Magnetic poles shift, so a reported position is meaningful only with its model and date. NOAA’s FAQ gives 86.5°N, 164.04°E as a 2020 modeled location for the north magnetic pole; it is historical information, not a current coordinate. For present-day model context, NOAA identifies its World Magnetic Model as covering 2025–2030.
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