True north is the geographic North Pole. It’s always at the same point on a map. Magnetic north is the location of the north magnetic pole. The magnetic poles (north and south) continually shift by a tiny bit each year; the north magnetic pole is now more than 1,000 kilometers away from the geographic North Pole. The degree of difference between magnetic north and true north is called magnetic declination. To make things even more confusing, magnetic declination is different depending on where you’re located on the planet.Fortunately, cartographers have figured this out for you. Topographic maps include a declination chart for the area on the map. Plus, you can look up magnetic declinations for specific locations and even calculate declination yourself on the NOAA website. Once you know the local declination, you can adjust your compass. Orient the device to magnetic north. Locate the degree of declination on the declination dial (the second set of marks on the inside of the dial; each mark is equal to 2°). Slowly orient the magnetic needle until it points at the declination mark. Now you’re facing magnetic north. The N marking on your compass is pointing toward true north.