Geographic poles are defined by Earth’s rotation; magnetic poles are defined by its magnetic field. A compass responds to the magnetic field where you are, so its direction usually differs from true north. The angle between them—magnetic declination—depends on location and changes over time.
What defines a geographic pole?
Earth’s geographic North and South Poles are the points where its rotation axis meets the surface. Geographic north is the direction along a meridian toward the geographic North Pole. It is also called true north; USGS uses “geodetic north” and “geographic north” for this reference in its explanation of map north arrows (USGS: What do the different north arrows on a USGS topographic map mean?).
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What defines a magnetic pole?
Magnetic poles are associated with Earth’s magnetic field, not its rotation axis. Their positions shift as the field changes, so they do not coincide with the geographic poles. NOAA’s World Magnetic Model page identifies the current model period as 2025–2030 (NOAA: World Magnetic Model).
Does a compass point toward the magnetic pole?
No. A magnetic compass needle aligns with the local magnetic field at the compass, rather than aiming along a straight line at the distant magnetic pole. The direction it indicates can differ from true north (NOAA: Geomagnetism Frequently Asked Questions).
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What is magnetic declination?
Magnetic declination is the angle between the direction indicated by a magnetic compass and true north. It varies with both location and time, so there is no single correction that applies everywhere (NOAA: Geomagnetism Frequently Asked Questions; USGS: What do the different north arrows on a USGS topographic map mean?).
Why do maps show different north arrows?
Some topographic maps distinguish three references. True north follows the direction toward the geographic North Pole. Magnetic north is the compass direction, which follows the local magnetic field. Grid north follows the map’s plane coordinate grid. Because a flat map projects Earth’s curved surface, grid north can differ from true north; magnetic north can differ from both. USGS notes that a map’s magnetic information reflects the time it was made and may become outdated (USGS: What do the different north arrows on a USGS topographic map mean?).
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How should you use a compass with a map?
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Identify which north reference the map uses and check its date; do not assume an older map’s magnetic information is current.
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Find the magnetic declination for the place and date of your trip. NOAA provides geomagnetic information and a location-specific calculator through its geomagnetism resources (NOAA: Geomagnetism Frequently Asked Questions).
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Apply the appropriate declination adjustment when comparing a magnetic compass bearing with a true-north map bearing. The adjustment depends on the location and date; there is no universal value.
Why pole coordinates need a date
Magnetic pole positions are modeled estimates that change with the field. NOAA’s FAQ reports a north magnetic pole coordinate of 86.5°N, 164.04°E as a 2020 modeled location—not as a current position (NOAA: Geomagnetism Frequently Asked Questions). For present-day navigation, use a current model or a location-specific declination calculation rather than treating an older coordinate or map label as current.
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