magnetic model

The latest World Magnetic Model (WMM2020) was released December 10, 2019. The World Magnetic Model is the standard model for navigation, attitude and heading referencing systems using the geomagnetic field. The model, associated software, and documentation are distributed by NCEI on behalf of NGA. The model is produced at 5-year intervals, with the current model expiring on December 31, 2024.

The CIRES/NCEI geomagnetism team conducts basic and applied research in the field of Earth magnetism. We develop data-based models and calculators of the various magnetic fields originating within the Earth (in the core, mantle, lithosphere and oceans) and in the near-Earth space environment (in the ionized layers of the atmosphere and the magnetosphere). Such models have a wide range of scientific and technical uses, from investigating physical processes associated to a particular source, for example core flows, to providing accurate headings for aircraft navigation and directional drilling. The group is based out of NOAA's Boulder campus and is primarily funded by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) through an agreement with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).

A companion website provides access to official NOAA data products, models and online calculators. This website is focused on the research activity of our group and includes, for example, research models that have not (yet) been transitioned to operations, publications, and cloud-based calculators. Both sites include various outreach and educational resources in the field of geomagnetism. Feel free to explore and contact us if you have any questions!