Most maps include a "North arrow" to reference direction on the map. The North arrow on a map is usually located in or near the map legend. If a North arrow does not appear on the map, North is assumed to be the top of the map.
North arrow from Plan shewing the situation of a Mill-pond Right on Lots 6 and 7, purchased from Samuel Sweet, by Richard Smallman (Undated)
There are other types of "North" that can be shown on maps. Most topographic maps will show the difference between true, magnetic and grid north. Magnetic North is the north magnetic pole. It is currently located in Nunavut at 78oN 105oW. The north arrow of a magnetic compass points toward the North magnetic pole. (Note: the difference between true north and magnetic north is called magnetic declination.)
Grid north is an artificial north that is used on maps which have a rectangular grid. The vertical lines do not converge as one proceeds northward. These maps are most commonly used for navigation.
