Difference Between True North and Magnetic North (With Table)

True north is a fixed point on the planet, located at the north pole. Geographic maps can be used to discover the true north’s direction of existence. True north is used for making new maps. Because true north is a fixed location on the ground, it lacks flexibility. The maps include important declination information. True North is more of a theoretical term, yet it is widely used in physics and geography, as well as by hikers and sailors.

Magnetic north cannot be determined or seen on the globe; it is a whole distinct phenomenon. A compass needle is needed to determine the magnetic north direction. The magnetic north can be observed by calculating the value or measurement of alignment of the needle of the compass with the magnetic field of Earth. Magnetic North is used in the manufacturing of compasses and the development of compass applications in electronic devices.

Comparison Table Between True North and Magnetic North

What is True North?

The use of true north can be apparent when fresh maps are being created. The relevant information about the declination is also included in the maps. True North is more of a theoretical term, yet it’s widely used in physics and geography, as well as by hikers and sailors.

True north can be seen as a fixed point on the globe, which is at the north pole. With the use of geographical maps, it is possible to discover the true north’s direction of existence.

The axis of rotation, which is placed at the northern hemisphere of the planet Earth, is referred to as “true north”. The point of intersection of all lines of longitude may be seen on the map at this place. True north does not have enough flexibility because it is an actual position on the ground that can be pinpointed.

What is Magnetic North?

Magnetic North is used in the manufacture of compasses and the development of compass applications in electronic devices. Magnetic north is more of a practical approach; any regular layperson would need to know where magnetic north is to understand other existing directions.

On the planet, magnetic north cannot be determined or spotted; it is different. A compass needle is necessary to determine the magnetic north direction. The magnetic north can be calculated by observing and studying in-depth the measure of alignment of the needle of the compass with the magnetic field possessed by Earth.

“Magnetic north” is referred to as the point on the surface of Earth where the field of magnetism points downward in a direct manner. Magnetic North is known to be quite adaptable. A molten core, which is iron-based and so magnetic, can be used to identify magnetic north.

Main Differences Between True North and Magnetic North

1. True north is referred to as the Earth’s northern axis of rotation. At this point, the convergence point of all the lines of longitude can be seen on the map. On the other hand, magnetic north refers to that point where the magnetic field points of the Earth surface points downward in a direct manner.
2. As true north is a real place on the land, which is pinpointed, therefore true north does not possess enough flexibility. On the other hand, Magnetic North is known to possess enough flexibility. Magnetic north can be determined with the help of a molten core which is iron-based and thus magnetic.
3. On the globe, the point of true north is stationary and immovable, which is placed at the northern pole. However, on the contrary, the determination of magnetic north on the globe is a highly challenging task. It is quite different.
4. The determination of the direction of the existence of the true north is possible with the use and help of maps that possess information on the geography of the earth. On the other hand, the determination of the direction of the magnetic north is done via a needle of the compass needle. Studying the alignment of the compass needle with the magnetic field of Earth, the magnetic north can be determined.
5. The use of true north is seen at the time of the creation of new maps. In the maps, necessary information related to the declination is also provided. On the other hand, the use of Magnetic North can be seen while manufacturing compasses or building applications related to compass in electronic devices.
6. True North is more like a theoretical concept. Its use is extensive in the areas of physics and geography and also by the hikers and sailors. On the other hand, magnetic north is more like a practical approach. Every ordinary layman would need to have an idea of the magnetic north direction to have a clear idea of other existing directions.

Conclusion

The Earth’s northern axis of rotation is referred to as true north. The intersection of all longitude lines may be seen on the map at this location. True north does not have enough flexibility because it is a physical location on the ground that can be located. Magnetic North has a reputation for being adaptable. A molten core, which is iron-based and magnetic, can be used to identify magnetic north.

True north is a stationary and immovable location at the northern hemisphere at the pole that can be observed on a globe. True North is more of a theoretical concept, although it has a wide range of applications in physics and geography, as well as among hikers and sailors.

Whereas, Magnetic North is used in the production of compasses and the development of compass applications in electronic devices. Magnetic north is more of a practical approach; any regular layperson would need to know where magnetic north is to understand the other directions.

References

1. https://gi.copernicus.org/articles/6/439/2017/
2. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=lang_en&id=JcE_A1lo7dkC&oi=fnd&pg=PR9&dq=true+North+and+magnetic+north&ots=PSc7kL5gww&sig=S1IpppXKCSdtqTMGGdCphFT0NKw