What is magnetic variation?

Magnetic variation, also known as magnetic declination, refers specifically to the angle between magnetic north, which is the direction a magnetic compass points, and true north, which is the direction along the earth's surface towards the geographic North Pole. This angle is crucial for navigation because it helps pilots and navigators convert compass heading (which is influenced by magnetic north) to true heading (the direction that corresponds to the earth's coordinate system).

Understanding magnetic variation is essential for accurate navigation, as it varies from place to place and changes over time due to shifts in the Earth's magnetic field. Therefore, knowing the magnetic variation for a specific geographic area allows aviators to adjust their navigation calculations accordingly, ensuring that they are heading in the correct direction, and remain on course during flight.