Under what circumstances can a North Arrow be omitted from a map?

A North Arrow can be omitted from a map particularly when North is ambiguous, as this situation might arise in specific contexts where the geographic orientation is not crucial for the map's purpose. For example, in a map designed primarily for local navigation, the exact orientation relative to the cardinal directions may be less significant than the features themselves.

In circumstances where the map design emphasizes thematic or non-geographic elements, such as in certain interpretations of data or artistic representations, the directionality implied by the North Arrow may not add value or clarity for the map user. Therefore, the absence of a North Arrow is justified when it simply does not serve the map's objective or the needs of its intended audience.

In urban maps, geological maps, or when displaying local features, the inclusion of a North Arrow is typically beneficial, as users often require orientation to understand spatial relationships effectively.