« Back to Dictionary Index

Azimuth Angle:

  • 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.

« Back to Dictionary Index