What does the term "due north" refer to in navigation?

The term "due north" in navigation specifically refers to the direction that corresponds to True North. True North is the direction along the Earth's surface towards the geographic North Pole. It is defined by lines of longitude, representing the northernmost point on the Earth. When navigators use "due north," they are indicating a compass direction that is aligned with this geographic reference point, which is vital for accurate navigation and map reading.

While "cardinal north" may sound relevant, it is not universally recognized in navigation terminology. The primary navigational references are True North and Magnetic North, with Magnetic North indicating the direction aligned with the Earth’s magnetic field, which can vary due to magnetic declination. In contrast, Relative North can refer to orientations based on the current position or movement, but that does not pertain to the fixed and universally recognized direction of due north.

Thus, understanding that "due north" aligns with True North helps clarify navigational practices and emphasizes the precision required in construction technology and related fields.