Microlight » Navigation » Direction on the Earth
Direction on the Earth
The 360º method of indicating direction.
For navigation, direction is measured around a circle divided into 360 degrees.
The measurement starts at North, which is 000° or 360°, and increases in a clockwise direction.
Directions are normally written as three figures, for example 045°, 090°, 180° and 270°.
True North
True North is the direction along the Earth's surface towards the Geographic North Pole.
True Direction
A True direction is a direction measured from True North.
Directions measured from an aeronautical chart are initially referenced to True North.
Magnetic North
Magnetic North is the direction towards the Earth's magnetic north, as indicated by a freely suspended magnetic compass.
Magnetic Direction
A Magnetic direction is a direction measured from Magnetic North, as indicated by a magnetic compass, and is identified by the suffix M.
The Cardinal and Inter-Cardinal Directions of the Earth
The four cardinal directions are:
| Direction | Bearing |
|---|---|
| North (N) | 000° or 360° |
| East (E) | 090° |
| South (S) | 180° |
| West (W) | 270° |