Compass resection requires aligning the map with known landmarks and which reference?

Compass resection requires aligning the map with known landmarks and which reference?

• A. True north
• B. Grid north
• C. Magnetic north
• D. South

Answer: (C)

The main idea is matching the map to the same north reference you used with the compass. In compass resection you measure magnetic bearings to known landmarks, so you orient the map to magnetic north. Aligning the map this way makes the drawn bearing lines from the landmarks intersect at your position on the map, giving a correct fix. If you tried to align to true north or grid north, you’d have to compensate for magnetic declination, which adds steps and can introduce error. Hence magnetic north is the reference you use.

The main idea is matching the map to the same north reference you used with the compass. In compass resection you measure magnetic bearings to known landmarks, so you orient the map to magnetic north. Aligning the map this way makes the drawn bearing lines from the landmarks intersect at your position on the map, giving a correct fix. If you tried to align to true north or grid north, you’d have to compensate for magnetic declination, which adds steps and can introduce error. Hence magnetic north is the reference you use.