What is true north?

True north refers to the direction along the Earth's surface that points towards the geographic North Pole. It represents the actual position of the North Pole based on the planet's rotational axis, as opposed to magnetic north, which is influenced by the Earth's magnetic fields. When navigating or using a map, true north is critical for accurately orienting oneself and ensuring that directions correspond to physical locations on Earth.

In terms of navigation and cartography, understanding true north is essential because it provides a consistent reference point. Unlike magnetic north, which can shift, true north remains fixed, making it the standard for navigation regardless of a person’s location or the use of a compass. Recognizing true north is fundamental for activities such as hiking, sailing, or any form of navigation that relies on maps and geographical orientation.