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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/scout-declination-meaning

On a map and compass, what is magnetic declination?

The angle between magnetic north and true north.

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  1. The angle between magnetic north and true north ✔
  2. How far a compass needle dips toward the ground
  3. The height difference between two contour lines

Why: Your compass points to magnetic north, but map lines point to true north. Declination is the angle between the two, and you correct for it so your bearing matches the map.

Huh, didn't know that: Declination is called positive when magnetic north is east of true north and negative when it is west.

The dad joke
I bought a cheap compass. It was a little off, but I decided it had its bearings anyway.
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References

Answer: The angle between magnetic north and true north. Your compass points to magnetic north, but map lines point to true north. Declination is the angle between the two, and you correct for it so your bearing matches the map.

  1. NOAA NCEI: Magnetic Declination www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/magnetic-declination
    Magnetic declination (sometimes called magnetic variation) is the angle between magnetic north and true north.
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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Outdoors & CampingHow long is the Second Class map-and-compass hike option?Outdoors & CampingA regular hiking compass needle points toward which north?Outdoors & CampingWhat does it mean to orient a map?

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