North References Used in Land Navigation: Part 2

Converting a bearing between True, Magnetic, and Grid North using a declination diagram.

This part covers converting a bearing between the three north references using a declination diagram. Because a compass reads bearings relative to Magnetic North while a map is drawn relative to Grid or True North, converting between them is an essential land-navigation skill.

For a step-by-step written explanation, see the online North Reference tutorial, or build a printable declination reference sheet for your area.

When you’re ready to practice, work through the five conversion problems in Part 3.