Which north is used to plot coordinates on the map grid?

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

Answer: (A)

When you plot coordinates on a map grid, you reference grid north—the direction toward the top of the map along its grid lines. The map’s coordinate system is built around that grid, so all easting and northing values correspond to directions defined by grid north. True (geographic) north points toward the North Pole along the Earth's axis, and magnetic north points toward the magnetic pole and shifts over time and location. These directions aren’t aligned with the map’s square grid, so they aren’t used for plotting coordinates on the map grid. If you ever need to translate between grid bearings and compass readings, you’d account for the grid declination to move between grid north and magnetic north.