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Compass direction symbols show which way a direction or bearing points. The basic labels are N, E, S, and W; combinations such as NE and NNE identify points between them. On a map or chart, however, a north arrow may refer to true north, magnetic north, or grid north—so check the map’s labels before using it to orient yourself.
What the compass direction abbreviations mean
The four cardinal directions are north (N), east (E), south (S), and west (W). The four intercardinal directions fall halfway between them: northeast (NE), southeast (SE), southwest (SW), and northwest (NW).
Bearings are measured clockwise from north. In this convention, north is 0° or 360°, east is 90°, south is 180°, and west is 270°. The intercardinal points are spaced at 45° intervals.
| Direction | Symbol | Bearing |
|---|---|---|
| North | N | 0° or 360° |
| Northeast | NE | 45° |
| East | E | 90° |
| Southeast | SE | 135° |
| South | S | 180° |
| Southwest | SW | 225° |
| West | W | 270° |
| Northwest | NW | 315° |
These standard bearing values are given in the Canadian Cadets navigation lesson.
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Intermediate points
A 16-point compass rose adds a direction halfway between each adjacent cardinal and intercardinal point. For example, NNE means north-northeast, between north and northeast. The standard sequence, clockwise from north, is:
- NNE — 22.5°
- ENE — 67.5°
- ESE — 112.5°
- SSE — 157.5°
- SSW — 202.5°
- WSW — 247.5°
- WNW — 292.5°
- NNW — 337.5°
The abbreviations follow a simple pattern: one letter for a cardinal point, two for an intercardinal point, and three for the finer intermediate points. The same Cadets lesson lists these bearings. NNW is 337.5° in the evenly spaced sequence, not 237.5°.
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How to read a compass rose
A compass rose is the circular direction scale printed on a map or chart. Its appearance is not standardized, so use its labels and legend rather than assuming every ring or arrow has the same meaning.
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On a common nautical-chart design, the outside ring shows true directions and the smaller inside ring shows magnetic directions. NOAA explains this convention in its compass rose guide. True north is geographic north; magnetic north is the direction a magnetic compass points. The difference between them changes with location.
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True north, magnetic north, and grid north
A topographic map’s declination diagram may show three north references:
- True north points toward geographic north. On a USGS declination diagram, a star marks true north.
- Magnetic north (MN) shows the direction a magnetic compass would point at the time the map was published.
- Grid north (GN) follows the map’s plane grid. Its angular difference from true north depends on the map projection and location.
The USGS explains these symbols in its guide to the different north arrows on a topographic map. A north arrow or declination diagram tells you which reference applies; the arrows need not point in exactly the same direction.
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- Integrated Ruler: A built-in ruler with metric scale allows for convenient measurements.
- Compact Design: Lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry on outdoor adventures.
- Handy Accessory: Includes a lanyard for secure attachment and easy access.
Why magnetic north on an old map may mislead
Magnetic direction changes over time as well as across Earth, so the magnetic reference printed on an older map may no longer match the current direction a compass points. Canadian Chart 1 illustrates that a magnetic arrow can be accompanied by a variation value, a year, and an annual change. Those figures belong to the chart’s stated context; do not reuse historical example values as current navigation guidance. See Canadian Chart 1 and Natural Resources Canada’s compass guidance.
Using symbols to orient a map or image
Start by locating the compass rose, north arrow, or declination diagram. Identify whether the reference is true, magnetic, or grid north, then follow that reference when interpreting the map’s directions. Natural Resources Canada also recommends checking the compass rose or north arrow to see how an image is oriented.
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- Liquid-filled compass: Ensures reliable navigation with smooth and accurate directional readings, making it a must-have tool for hiking trails and backcountry adventures
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If you are learning map bearings, a baseplate orienteering compass is one useful tool: its dial is graduated through 360°, and its transparent baseplate can include orienting lines and direction-of-travel arrows. The NWCG/USFS training manual describes these features. A compass is optional for understanding the symbols themselves.
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