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- Definition: The azimuth angle is the horizontal angle measured between a reference direction (usually true north) and the direction of an observed line or object. It is typically measured in degrees, with values ranging from 0° to 360°.
- Reference Point:
- True North: The starting point for measuring the azimuth angle is true north, which is the direction along Earth’s surface towards the geographic North Pole.
- Usage:
- Astronomy: Used to describe the position of celestial objects in the sky relative to an observer’s location.
- Navigation: Important in marine and terrestrial navigation for determining direction and course.
- Surveying: Used in land surveying to define the direction of boundary lines and other features in relation to true north.
- Measurement:
- The azimuth angle is measured clockwise from the reference direction. For example, an azimuth angle of 90° corresponds to a direction due east, 180° to due south, and 270° to due west.
In summary, the azimuth angle is a crucial concept in fields like astronomy, navigation, and surveying, providing a standardized way to describe directions relative to true north.
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