Magnetic Declination

The Earth is constantly changing – just like its magnetic field. Magnetic compasses align with magnetic north, which can differ significantly from geographic (true) north. This difference is called magnetic declination, defined as the angle between magnetic north and geographic north on the horizontal plane. However, magnetic declination varies by location and changes over time due to shifts in Earth’s magnetic field. The World Magnetic Model (WMM) accounts for these variations and anomalies.

In the settings menu of your VECTOR X, you can manually enter the declination for your location, adjustable from 30° east (+) to 30° west (-). For example:

• Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada): (-)16° W
• Idaho Falls, ID (USA): (+)11° E
• Lillehammer (Norway): (+)4° E

To determine the correct declination for your location, use e.g. the NOAA Magnetic Declination Calculator (NCEI Geomagnetic Calculators).

We strongly recommend that you set the declination in the settings menu of your VECTOR X to ensure the accuracy of its integrated digital magnetic compass.