38.4 Direction on the Earth

38.4.2 Define, with reference to navigation at higher latitudes and polar areas:

(a) magnetic pole

The magnetic pole refers to the points on the Earth's surface where its magnetic field points vertically downwards.

There are two magnetic poles: the North Magnetic Pole and the South Magnetic Pole.

These poles shift over time due to changes in the Earth's magnetic field, and they are not fixed locations.

(b) true north

True north is the direction along the Earth's surface towards the geographic North Pole.

It is a fixed point and is used as a reference for navigation, maps, and charts.

True north is essential for accurate navigation, especially in polar regions. 

(c) magnetic north

Magnetic north is the direction that a magnetic compass points towards, which is towards the North Magnetic Pole.

Unlike true north, magnetic north can vary depending on your location and the time due to the shifting of the magnetic poles. 

(d) compass north

Compass north is essentially the same as magnetic north, referring to the direction that a compass needle points.