What is the purpose of grid north on a map?

The purpose of grid north on a map is to facilitate map reading and navigation. Grid north refers to the direction that is aligned with the grid lines printed on a map, which help in orienting the map and understanding where features are located relative to each other. When a map has grid lines, the grid north direction is critical for users to effectively use the map to find coordinates, navigate through terrain, and plot points of interest. This becomes particularly important during military operations or field exercises where precise navigation can impact mission success.

Understanding grid north is essential for translating the information on the map into real-world navigation. While aligning with true north, GPS accuracy, and magnetic declination are important concepts related to navigation and mapping, the primary role of grid north is to support the practical aspects of reading and interpreting the map effectively.