Which of the following describes the relationship between magnetic north and true north for bearings?

The correct choice refers to magnetic declination, which is the angle difference between magnetic north and true north. Understanding magnetic declination is essential in surveying, navigation, and mapping because it directly affects how bearings should be adjusted based on the geographic location.

When surveying, true north is the direction along the Earth's surface towards the North Pole, while magnetic north is the direction that a magnetic compass points, which can vary based on geographic location and changes over time due to shifts in the Earth's magnetic field. Magnetic declination can be expressed as either east or west, depending on whether magnetic north is to the east or west of true north.

Knowing the amount of magnetic declination for a specific area allows surveyors and navigators to convert magnetic bearings into true bearings, ensuring accuracy in measurements and navigation. Thus, the concept of magnetic declination is vital for any precision work in surveying, making it the correct answer in this context.