Final answer:
Understanding if a map direction is based on true north or magnetic north is important for accurate navigation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding whether a map direction is based on true north or magnetic north is important for accurate navigation. True north is the direction towards the North Pole, while magnetic north is the direction towards the magnetic north pole. The difference between the two is known as the magnetic declination, and it can vary depending on your location on Earth. By knowing whether a map is using true north or magnetic north, you can make the necessary adjustments to properly navigate and reach your destination.