The direction along the earth's surface toward the geographic North Pole, as opposed to magnetic north. True north is the primary reference direction for all nautical charts and is indicated by the outer ring of the compass rose.
Category: Navigation & Seamanship
On The Maritime
The desks that work with Navigation & Seamanship terms.
Related terms
More in Navigation & Seamanship
Rhumb LineA line on the earth's surface that crosses all meridians at the same angle, appearing as a straight line on a Mercator projection chart.Speed Over GroundThe speed of a vessel relative to the earth's surface, as measured by GPS or other positioning systems.StarboardThe right-hand side of a vessel when facing forward (toward the bow).SternThe rear-most part of a vessel's hull where the rudder and propeller are typically located.TransitThe passage of a vessel through a canal, strait, or narrow waterway.WaypointA predetermined geographical position defined by latitude and longitude coordinates, used as a reference point for navigation and route planning.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026