diff --git a/libraries/AP_Compass/Compass.cpp b/libraries/AP_Compass/Compass.cpp
index 6090089c9c..538516dec4 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Compass/Compass.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_Compass/Compass.cpp
@@ -54,6 +54,14 @@ Compass::set_declination(float radians)
     _declination.set_and_save(radians);
 }
 
+float
+Compass::get_declination()
+{
+  return _declination.get();
+}
+
+
+
 void
 Compass::calculate(float roll, float pitch)
 {
diff --git a/libraries/AP_Compass/Compass.h b/libraries/AP_Compass/Compass.h
index f10d902447..af0414576a 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Compass/Compass.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_Compass/Compass.h
@@ -107,6 +107,7 @@ public:
 	/// @param  radians             Local field declination.
 	///
 	virtual void set_declination(float radians);
+	float get_declination();
 
 protected:
 	AP_Var_group        _group;                 ///< storage group holding the compass' calibration data