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World Magnetic Model 2020 Technical Report

The World Magnetic Model is the standard model used by the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.K. Ministry of Defence, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), for navigation, attitude and heading referencing systems using the geomagnetic field. It is also used widely in civilian navigation and heading systems. The model is produced at 5-year intervals, with the current model expiring on December 31, 2024. The current model WMM2015 is produced jointly by the NGDC and the British Geological Survey (BGS). The model, associated software, and documentation are distributed by NGDC on behalf of US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and by BGS on behalf of UK Defence Geographic Centre.
  • Cite as: Chulliat, A.; W. Brown; P. Alken; C. Beggan; M. Nair; G. Cox; A. Woods; S. Macmillan; B. Meyer; M. Paniccia. 2020: World Magnetic Model 2020 Technical Report. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/10.25923/ytk1-yx35. Accessed [date].
gov.noaa.ngdc:WMM2020_Technical_Report
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Distribution Formats
  • WMM2020_Report.pdf (Version: 1)
    • File Specification: World Magnetic Model (WMM2020) Technical Report
Ordering InstructionsContact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
DistributorNOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact NCEI Geomagnetic Modeling Team
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
geomag.models@noaa.gov
Time Period2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31
Spatial Reference Systemurn:ogc:def:crs:EPSG::4326
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
N: 90
S: -90
E: 180
W: -180
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Publication Dates
  • publication: 2020-04-17
Edition1
Data Presentation FormmapDigital
Dataset Progress StatusComplete - production of the data has been completed
Historical archive - data has been stored in an offline storage facility
Data Update Frequency As needed - WMM2020 technical report may be updated if any errors or omissions are noted.
PurposePurpose statement not available
Use Limitations
  • Produced by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Not subject to copyright protection within the United States.
Dataset Citation
  • Cite as: Chulliat, A.; W. Brown; P. Alken; C. Beggan; M. Nair; G. Cox; A. Woods; S. Macmillan; B. Meyer; M. Paniccia. 2020: World Magnetic Model 2020 Technical Report. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/10.25923/ytk1-yx35. Accessed [date].
Cited Authors
  • Chulliat, A.
  • W. Brown
  • P. Alken
  • C. Beggan
  • M. Nair
  • G. Cox
  • A. Woods
  • S. Macmillan
  • B. Meyer
  • M. Paniccia
Originators
  • NCEI Geomagnetic Modeling Team
Publishers
  • NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Theme keywordsGlobal Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
  • Earth Science > Solid Earth > Geomagnetism > Magnetic Field
  • Earth Science > Solid Earth > Geomagnetism > Magnetic Intensity
  • Earth Science > Solid Earth > Geomagnetism > Magnetic Declination
  • Earth Science > Solid Earth > Geomagnetism > Magnetic Inclination
Data Center keywordsGlobal Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NGDC > National Geophysical Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Place keywordsGlobal Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Geographic Region > Global
Use Constraints
  • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Access Constraints
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
Other ConstraintsCite as: Chulliat, A.; W. Brown; P. Alken; C. Beggan; M. Nair; G. Cox; A. Woods; S. Macmillan; B. Meyer; M. Paniccia. 2020: World Magnetic Model 2020 Technical Report. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/10.25923/ytk1-yx35. Accessed [date].
Fees
  • In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
Lineage information for: repository
Processing Steps
  • 2015-04-22T00:00:00 - NOAA created the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) by merging NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC), and National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), including the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC), per the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235. NCEI launched publicly on April 22, 2015.
Last Modified: 2020-05-14
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov