What is the purpose of a Declination Diagram?

The purpose of a Declination Diagram is to illustrate the relationship and differences between True North, Grid North, and Magnetic North on a map. This diagram is essential for navigators and map users because it helps them understand how to adjust their compass readings to be in alignment with the map's grid system.

True North refers to the geographic North Pole, while Magnetic North indicates the direction a magnetic compass points, which can vary from True North due to magnetic declination. Grid North is based on the grid lines of the map and can differ from both True North and Magnetic North depending on the location and the specific map being used. The Declination Diagram provides the necessary angular corrections that a user must apply to accurately interpret their bearings in the field, ensuring effective navigation.