What is the term for the difference between true north and magnetic north?

The term for the difference between true north and magnetic north is known as declination. This concept is crucial in navigation and map reading because it allows navigators and map users to adjust their compass readings to account for the variation between where the compass points (magnetic north) and the actual geographic north (true north).

Declination is typically expressed in degrees and can vary depending on your location on Earth. It can be either east or west, indicating whether magnetic north is to the east or west of true north. This adjustment is particularly important for accurate navigation, as failing to account for declination can lead to navigational errors.

In summary, understanding declination is essential for anyone using a compass in conjunction with a map, ensuring they are able to plot their courses accurately and effectively navigate their environment.