What do true bearings account for compared to magnetic bearings?

True bearings are measured relative to true north, which is based on the geographic North Pole, while magnetic bearings are measured relative to magnetic north, which can vary depending on the local magnetic environment. The angular difference between true north and magnetic north is known as magnetic deviation or variation, and this difference accounts for the discrepancies between the two types of bearings.

Understanding this difference is crucial for navigation because navigators need to convert between true bearings and magnetic bearings to ensure accurate positioning and course plotting. The magnetic meridian shifts over time and can differ from true north due to changes in the Earth’s magnetic field. Thus, the correct answer highlights that true bearings take into account this angular discrepancy, which is essential for accurate navigation.