What does a direction-of-travel arrow on a compass denote?

A direction-of-travel arrow on a compass specifically indicates the direction in which the user is traveling when the compass is properly oriented. When the compass is held flat and aligned with the magnetic field, the direction-of-travel arrow shows the course you are taking relative to the reference point established by the compass needle. This functionality is essential for navigation, as it allows the user to follow a specific heading towards their desired destination.

The other choices highlight different aspects of compass usage, but they do not pertain to the primary role of the direction-of-travel arrow. For example, while the compass needle does point toward magnetic north, that feature is distinct from the directional guidance provided by the arrow itself. True north and magnetic north are related concepts, yet the direction-of-travel arrow is not used to indicate true north. Furthermore, the concept of angle of declination involves adjustments between true north and magnetic north, which is not the function of the direction-of-travel arrow. Thus, the identification of the arrow's role is crucial for effective navigation.