What is "geomagnetic center" SE of KEZF on sectional

mcdewey

mcdewey

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I was looking over the sectional near KEZF (Shannon). About 5.2 miles at 149°(38.20°N/77.37°W), there is a small black square labeled "geomagnetic center". I've looked in the FAA pubs such as the Aeronautical Chart User's Guide, internet searches, etc. and there is no explanation.

The only reference i can find is the comment "If you’re searching for truth, look in your sectionals for the geomagnetic center!" at "https://www.avweb.com/insider/trsa-asks-can-you-handle-the-truth/"

Anyone know what it is?
 
The black square is the chart symbol for a landmark feature as noted in the Topographical Information section of the Legend. It’s the Fredericksburg Geomagnetic Center (FGC).


Just northwest of the geomagnetic center building is a plant. Both highlighted below.

8580ff12bb8b1e63dc33832bfb32ccd3.jpg
 
mcdewey said:
there is a small black square labeled "geomagnetic center". I've looked in the FAA pubs such as the Aeronautical Chart User's Guide, internet searches, etc. and there is no explanation.
Click to expand...
Screenshot 2024-10-21 at 4.48.25 PM.png
It's a landmark, named "geomagnetic center."
 
Is it a geographical center? Or a magnetic center? Or somehow a negotiation between the two?
What is it for, how is it used? Pilots need it because...?
 
TCABM said:
The black square is the chart symbol for a landmark feature as noted in the Topographical Information section of the Legend. It’s the Fredericksburg Geomagnetic Center (FGC).


Just northwest of the geomagnetic center building is a plant. Both highlighted below.

8580ff12bb8b1e63dc33832bfb32ccd3.jpg
Click to expand...
I knew there would be someone smart on here!!
 
dmspilot said:
View attachment 134446
It's a landmark, named "geomagnetic center."
Click to expand...
Yes.

But without already knowing what it is, I would have never identified it. Everyone can recognize a plant when they see one. There’s even a “brick yard” near here that you instantly know when you see it. Nobody knows what a geomagnetic center looks like.
 
Let'sgoflying! said:
Is it a geographical center? Or a magnetic center? Or somehow a negotiation between the two?
What is it for, how is it used? Pilots need it because...?
Click to expand...
It's a center for geomagnetic research. It's marked on the sectional because it's an identifiable landmark on the ground that pilots can use to navigate by pilotage.
 
So you’re saying my compass won’t go all flying over this location?

I’ve flown over that area a billion times and never noticed this landmark on the chart. That said I’m pretty familiar with the area so I don’t need a random government building to orient myself, lol.
 
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