What are the three types of North used in navigation?

The three types of North used in navigation are True North, Grid North, and Magnetic North. True North refers to the direction along the Earth's surface towards the geographic North Pole. It is based on the Earth's rotational axis.

Grid North is the direction along the grid lines of a map projection, which can differ from True North due to the curvature of the Earth and the map's projection. Understanding Grid North is essential for accurate map reading and navigation.

Magnetic North is the direction a magnetic compass points and is influenced by the Earth's magnetic field. It shifts over time and can vary from True North depending on your geographical location.

These distinctions are critical in navigation because they determine how one aligns maps with the actual geographical layout. Each type of North has its specific applications, and navigators must account for these differences when plotting courses or determining directions.