# Variation

> Variation for the current day. Used in navigation with a magnetic compass.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.Variation](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.Variation)

## Overview

- **ID:** `com.Variation`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Navigational Algorithms
- **Category:** MAPS\_AND\_NAVIGATION
- **Downloads:** 25,393
- **Rating:** 5.00 / 5 (113 ratings)
- **Version:** 5.1
- **Last updated:** 2025-07-02
- **First published:** 2014-09-09
- **Publisher country:** ES
- **Size:** 6.52 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-11
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Variation)
- **Website:** [http://sites.google.com/site/navigationalalgorithms/](http://sites.google.com/site/navigationalalgorithms/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://sites.google.com/site/navigationalalgorithms/software/android](https://sites.google.com/site/navigationalalgorithms/software/android)

## Description

Variation is a navigation tool that displays the magnetic variation (declination) for the current day, essential for accurate magnetic compass navigation. It calculates the angle between magnetic north and true north based on your location using the latest World Magnetic Model (WMM2025), valid from November 2024 to December 2029.

Features include automatic location saving with storage permission, GPS-enabled position detection, and multiple map types (normal, terrain, satellite). The app offers a course calculator that incorporates magnetic deviation coefficients (A, B, C, D, E) for precise compass adjustments, which users can input after calculating with a compatible "Magnetic compass" desktop application.

Interactive map events allow adding and viewing variation marks by long clicking or tapping, supporting advanced navigation needs. This extension is perfect for navigators, sailors, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts requiring up-to-date magnetic variation data integrated with GPS and mapping functions.

## Rankings

- #394,991 — Overall
- #1 — variation

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `com.Variation.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`
- `com.google.android.providers.gsf.permission.READ_GSERVICES`

## Review summary

Users appreciate the app's accuracy and usefulness in finding magnetic variation and declination. However, many report significant issues with the GPS/location detection feature not working correctly across various devices, forcing users to manually select their location. Additionally, the app sometimes defaults to a location in Spain instead of the user's current location. Some users also experience crashes on older Android versions. Overall, while helpful, the app's location functionality needs improvement.

### Pros

- Accurately provides variation data and is consistent.
- Helpful for finding magnetic declination.
- Good application when location permission is granted.

### Cons

- GPS/location detection does not work properly on multiple devices.
- App defaults to location in Spain instead of user's actual location.
- Crashes instantly on some older Android versions (e.g., Android 4.04).
- Requires manual location selection if GPS is not functional, reducing convenience.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.Variation)