True North Vs Magnetic North: Which Direction is Your Compass Pointing?

We often engage in the battle of true north vs magnetic north. The direction of your compass is pointing at all times. Some people are more inclined to make decisions with their hearts while others are more rational. This article will explore how you can leverage both mindsets to make better decisions for yourself and/or your business

The compass that was once used to find your way by the stars is now outdated. The compass that helps you find your bearing today is modernized and updated for this new world. How can you tell which direction you’re facing?

Difference Between True North And Magnetic North

In a location where the Earth’s magnetic field is acting upon small magnetized objects, such as iron filings in a compass, the needle will point to magnetic north. The earth’s geographic poles are not the same as the magnetic poles. Magnetic North is a theoretical point on a map whereas True North is a fixed location.

What Is Magnetic North? – Magnetic North Definition

Magnetic North is a direction that a compass that points to a magnetic field on earth.

It’s called Magnetic North because it’s where the Earth’s magnetic field points. The Earth’s magnetic field changes over time. It is not a fixed point.

Advantages of Magnetic North?

The advantages of Magnetic North are that it helps mapmakers and navigators because they have a consistent reference point.

Disadvantages of Magnetic North?

The disadvantages are that the magnetic north pole moves across a region, so it will change over time and require mapmakers to update their maps accordingly.

If you use Magnetic North for navigational purposes, then you may face some challenges because of it being inaccurate.

What Is True North?

True North is the direction that points to the earth’s geographical North Pole. It is a fixed point on the globe.

True North is also called (geodetic north or geographic north).

How was Compass used for Navigation earlier?

Being lost at sea is a real concern for sailors so they need to know which way they are going.

Navigating the seas was a challenge many centuries ago. People would use Polaris, or the North Star to help them discern which direction they heading towards.

If you could see Polaris, you would know which way to head.

It becomes a lot harder to find your way when you can’t see the stars or the Sun.

Which North To Use?

There are two types of North. The first type is the true north which is also called geographic north. This is the direction that points to the Earth’s geographic North Pole. The other type is the magnetic north which points to the magnetic North Pole located in Greenwich.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, people will always want to live in an environment that is comforting. They will want their homes to be in a place that they can call home. People are able to find comfort without needing to constantly move around with the magnetic north constantly shifting.