How is magnetic variation also commonly referred to?

Magnetic variation is commonly referred to as magnetic declination. This term describes the angle between magnetic north, indicated by a compass, and true north, which is the direction towards the geographic North Pole. Understanding magnetic declination is crucial for accurate navigation, as it allows pilots and navigators to adjust their compass readings to account for this difference, ensuring they are heading in the correct direction relative to true north.

In aviation, pilots must be aware of magnetic declination values for their flight paths, as it can vary depending on the geographic location and change over time due to shifts in the Earth's magnetic field. Therefore, recognizing and adjusting for magnetic declination is essential for effective and accurate flight navigation and course planning.