Definition
The fixed point at 90° North latitude where the Earth's axis of rotation meets its surface. It is the true northern reference used on aeronautical charts and in navigation calculations, distinct from the magnetic north pole, which is offset and moves over time.
Plain English
The actual top of the Earth — the spot the planet spins around. It is what 'true north' on a chart points to, and it is not the same place as the magnetic north pole that a compass points to.
Context Anchor
Seen in magnetic compass and variation discussions, where pilots compare true north with magnetic north.
Derivation
Geographic' comes from the Greek 'geo' (earth) and 'graphia' (description) — literally a description of the Earth. The geographic north pole is the north pole defined by the Earth's geometry itself, not by its magnetism.
Why Pilots Care
Understanding it explains why variation exists and why pilots must correct between true and magnetic headings for accurate navigation.
Analogy
Think of a classroom globe with a rod running through it. The geographic north pole is the top point where that rod would come out of the globe.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the geographic north pole is where a compass points. It is the true north map reference; a compass points toward magnetic north.
Example Sentence 1
True courses plotted on the chart are measured relative to the geographic north pole, while the compass shows headings relative to the magnetic north pole.
Example Sentence 2
Variation tables show the angular difference between the magnetic pole and the geographic north pole at a given location.