6.4 Direction on the Earth

Direction:

• The point to or from which a person, object, or movement is oriented.

Bearing:

• The horizontal angle between:

  • the direction of one object, and

  • the direction to another object.

6.4.2 Describe the 360º Method of Indicating Direction.

For precise navigation, a circle is used and divided into 360 degrees, with North positioned at the top.

North can be expressed as:

• 000°, or

• 360°.

All directions are measured clockwise from North.

Directions are expressed as a three-figure group.

Examples:

• 045° – Northeast

• 180° – South

• 345° – Northwest

6.4.4 Describe the Earth's Magnetic Field.

• The Earth acts like a large magnet, producing magnetic lines of force around it.

• These magnetic forces are strong enough to influence the direction of a freely suspended magnetic needle.

• The Earth’s magnetic poles are known as the:

  • North Magnetic Pole

  • South Magnetic Pole

• The North Magnetic Pole is located in the Hudson Bay area of Canada, while the South Magnetic Pole lies near Victoria Land in Antarctica.