Data obtained from the high altitude, polar orbiting spacecraft, POLAR, are compared with the latest version of the data-based magnetospheric magnetic field model. The data generally agree well with the model. The major directional discrepancies at high altitudes are near the dayside cusp and on the open field lines over the polar cap, especially close to the boundary of the polar cap. Near the cusp, the agreement is improved if a stronger solar wind dynamic pressure and more negative IMF By and Bz are used as the model input parameters, than was actually observed. The field measured in the vicinity of the polar cusps is generally weaker than predicted by the model. Close to noon the spacecraft enters a region of additional structured field depression that appears to be the polar cusp proper. Within the limited statistics presented here, the invariant latitude of the cusp appears to be controlled by the north-south component of the IMF and the broad depression appears to be controlled by the tilt of the dipole.¿ 1997 American Geophysical Union