magnetic declination

magnetic declination

n.

The angle between magnetic north and true north at a particular location. Also called magnetic variation.

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magnetic declination

The horizontal angle between the true geographic North Pole and the magnetic north pole, as figured from a specific point on the Earth. Compare magnetic inclination.

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The angle between the magnetic and geographical meridians at any place, expressed in degrees east or west to indicate the direction of magnetic north from true north. In nautical and aeronautical navigation, the term magnetic variation is used instead of magnetic declination and the angle is termed variation of the compass or magnetic variation. Magnetic declination is not otherwise synonymous with magnetic variation which refers to regular or irregular change with time of the magnetic declination, dip, or intensity. See also magnetic variation.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

magnetic declination - the angle (at a particular location) between magnetic north and true north magnetic variation, variation angle - the space between two lines or planes that intersect; the inclination of one line to another; measured in degrees or radians