Magnetic Declination is also referred to as the magnetic variation. Magnetic Declination is represented in the Greek word.
Magnetic Declination is associated with the year, longitude and latitude of a given location.
Calculation Of Magnetic Declination
Following are the different ways used to calculate the magnetic declination:
- Using the declination calculator: The information such as year, latitude and longitude of the given location should be provided and the calculator gives the declination on the basis of magnetic reference field models.
- Using a magnetic declination chart: A magnetic declination chart is a map with the earth’s magnetic fields available on it.
- Using a compass: There are three types of bearing, they are true, magnetic and compass bearing. A compass can be used to calculate the declination as it is one of the errors of the compass and the other is magnetic variation. These three are related by:
T = M + V
M = C + D
T = C + V + D (which is a general equation relating compass and true bearings)
Where,
C = Compass Bearing
M = Magnetic Bearing
T = True Bearing
V = Variation
D = Compass Deviation