North Arrow
The north arrow, whether it is fancy or unadorned, has the sole purpose of illustrating the orientation of the map to the viewer. Yes, it is true that most GIS maps are
already oriented with north at the top of the layout. However, there are certainly
instances where this is not the case and therefore it is standard practice to include
the north arrow. Its inclusion is almost always warranted. Nautical charts and other
orienteering maps should show both true north and magnetic north. In fact, these
types of maps usually illustrate the directions on a compass rose, rather than a north
arrow, which shows at least four, and sometimes more, cardinal directions.