Geomagnetic Coordinate Calculator

Structural and dynamical features of the ionised and neutral upper atmosphere are strongly organised by the geomagnetic field, and several magnetic coordinate systems have been developed to describe this organisation. Here we provide a quasi-dipole geomagnetic coordinate calculator (Emmert et al, J. Geophys. Res., 2010) using coefficients for all spherical harmonic degrees (up to 13) of the 13th Generation International Geomagnetic Reference Field, and for comparison, a simple tilted dipole coordinate calculator using only the degree 1 coefficients of IGRF-13. Locations which have similar geomagnetic latitudes are likely to experience similar levels of magnetic disturbance. Local time and conductivity structures also influence magnetic disturbance levels.

These data are delivered under the Open Government Licence, subject to the following acknowledgement accompanying the reproduced BGS materials:

"Geomagnetic coordinates are determined using model calculations provided by British Geological Survey - Geomagnetism"

If you require further information, wish to report a problem, or have suggestions as to how we can improve our service, please contact BGS Enquiries.