What is the term for the angle between geographic north and the direction a compass needle points?

The term for the angle between geographic north and the direction a compass needle points is known as Magnetic Declination. This angle varies depending on where you are on the Earth's surface because of the differences between magnetic north (the direction the compass needle points) and true north (the direction of the geographic North Pole).

Understanding magnetic declination is crucial for navigation, as it affects how one interprets compass readings. In areas where there is a significant difference between magnetic and geographic north, not accounting for magnetic declination can lead to errors in navigation, which is why it is important for navigators and cartographers to be aware of this angle.

True Bearing refers to the direction of a point in relation to true north, while Azimuth is a measurement of angle used in navigation, generally measured in degrees clockwise from true north. Magnetic Inclination, on the other hand, is related to the angle at which magnetic field lines enter the Earth’s surface and does not pertain to the relationship between geographic and magnetic north.