MAGNETIC DECLINATION

The horizontal angle and direction by which the needle of a compass deflects from
the true meridian at any particular locality is called the magnetic declination. Deflection of
the needle maybe eastward or westward of the true meridian.
At any location on the earth’s surface magnetic bearings (or azimuth) may easily
be converted to true bearings (or azimuths) and vice-versa, if the declination is known.
No specific formulas or rules are needed for such conversions. All that is important is to
draw a sketch which shows the existing relationship between lines and directions and
making only a simple analysis.

ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEMS:

1. The magnetic declination in a locality is 2°30’ E. Determine the true bearing and
the true azimuths reckoned from north and south of the following lines whose
magnetic bearings are given.
a. AB, N 25°40’ E
b. AC, S 50°12’ E
c. AD, S 62°18’ W

2. A field is in the form of a regular pentagon. If the true bearing of side AB is N 30°30’
E, determine the true azimuth from south of the following sides of the field: AB,
BC, CD and the true bearing of sides BC and CD.

3. In a compass survey made fifty years ago the observed magnetic bearing of a
reference line XY was S 50°18’ E when the magnetic declination was 8°15’ East.
Lately in 1986, a new survey was made and the declination in the same site
changed to 12°10’ West. Determine the following descriptions of line XY:

a. Its true bearing.

b. The true azimuth from south.
c. Its new magnetic bearing.
d. The magnetic azimuth from south in 1986.