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Magnetic Azimuth Formula:
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Magnetic azimuth is the horizontal angle measured clockwise from magnetic north to a point. It differs from true azimuth due to magnetic declination, which is the angle between magnetic north and true north at a specific location.
The calculator uses the magnetic azimuth formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts true azimuth to magnetic azimuth by accounting for the local magnetic declination. The result is normalized to a value between 0° and 360°.
Details: Accurate magnetic azimuth calculation is essential for navigation, surveying, and orienteering. It ensures proper alignment with magnetic north when using compasses for direction finding.
Tips: Enter true azimuth in degrees (0-360) and magnetic declination in degrees (positive for east declination, negative for west declination). All values must be valid numerical inputs.
Q1: What is magnetic declination?
A: Magnetic declination is the angle between magnetic north and true north at a specific location, which varies by geographic position and changes over time.
Q2: How do I find the declination for my location?
A: Declination values can be obtained from topographic maps, NOAA's National Geophysical Data Center, or various mobile apps that provide magnetic field data.
Q3: Why does declination value have a sign?
A: East declination is positive (magnetic north is east of true north), west declination is negative (magnetic north is west of true north).
Q4: Does magnetic declination change over time?
A: Yes, magnetic declination changes gradually due to shifts in Earth's magnetic field. It's important to use current declination values for accurate calculations.
Q5: When would I need to convert between true and magnetic azimuth?
A: This conversion is necessary when using a magnetic compass for navigation with maps that use true north, or when transferring bearings between map and compass.