Printable World Magnetic Declination Chart

What is Magnetic Declination?

When venturing into the great outdoors, whether it's for hiking, camping, or sailing, having the right tools and knowledge is crucial for a safe and successful journey. One often overlooked but essential tool is a magnetic declination chart. Magnetic declination, also known as magnetic variation, is the difference between magnetic north and true north. This variation can be significant, and not accounting for it can lead to navigation errors.

The printable world magnetic declination chart is a valuable resource for anyone who spends time outdoors. It provides a visual representation of the magnetic declination across the globe, allowing users to determine the variation in their specific location. This chart is particularly useful for individuals who use a compass for navigation, as it helps to ensure that their readings are accurate.

Using the Printable Chart for Navigation

What is Magnetic Declination? Magnetic declination is caused by the Earth's magnetic field, which is not perfectly symmetrical. The magnetic field lines emerge from the South Pole and enter the North Pole, but they do not exactly follow the Earth's rotational axis. As a result, the direction of magnetic north varies depending on the location. In some areas, the variation can be as much as 20 degrees or more, which can significantly impact navigation.

Using the Printable Chart for Navigation To use the printable world magnetic declination chart, simply find your location on the map and read the corresponding magnetic declination value. You can then adjust your compass readings accordingly. For example, if the magnetic declination in your area is 10 degrees east, you would need to subtract 10 degrees from your compass reading to get the true direction. With this chart, you can navigate the world with confidence, knowing that your compass readings are accurate and reliable.