Magnetometer Warning

The on-board magnetometer is provided primarily as a convenient means to determine an initial heading estimate when kinematic, or true (external) heading alignment is not possible. To accurately infer sensor orientation based on a magnetic field measurement requires careful design with respect to sensor installation. Calibration is usually required post-installation, and may be difficult or impossible to achieve. For this reason, the use of the magnetometer as a heading aid is not generally recommended.

Before using the magnetometer as a heading source, it must be calibrated. Refer to the Magnetometer Calibration page for more details.