Azimuth: Definitions and Examples

Azimuth: Definitions, Formulas, & Examples

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    Azimuth is a term used to describe the direction of an object in relation to a reference point. It is often used in navigation and astronomy to describe the position of celestial bodies and can be measured in degrees from 0° to 360°.

    In navigation, azimuth is used to describe the direction of a ship or aircraft in relation to true north. It is measured in degrees clockwise from north, with north being 0° and east being 90°.

    In astronomy, azimuth is used to describe the position of celestial bodies in relation to the observer. It is measured in degrees clockwise from due north, with north being 0°, east being 90°, south being 180°, and west being 270°.

    Here are five examples of how azimuth can be used:

    1. A pilot is flying a plane and needs to determine the azimuth of a nearby airport. By using a compass and a map, the pilot is able to determine that the airport is located at an azimuth of 200°.
    2. A sailor is trying to determine the azimuth of a distant island. By using a sextant and a nautical chart, the sailor is able to determine that the island is located at an azimuth of 120°.
    3. An astronomer is trying to determine the azimuth of a celestial body. By using a telescope and a star chart, the astronomer is able to determine that the celestial body is located at an azimuth of 40°.
    4. A hiker is trying to determine the azimuth of a mountain peak. By using a compass and a topographic map, the hiker is able to determine that the mountain peak is located at an azimuth of 310°.
    5. A surveyor is trying to determine the azimuth of a nearby land boundary. By using a theodolite and a survey map, the surveyor is able to determine that the land boundary is located at an azimuth of 60°.

    Quiz:

    What is azimuth used to describe?

    A: the direction of an object in relation to a reference point

    In navigation, what is azimuth measured in degrees from?

    A: north

    In astronomy, what is azimuth measured in degrees from?

    A: due north

    What is north on the azimuth scale?

    A: 0°

    What is east on the azimuth scale?

    A: 90°

    What is south on the azimuth scale?

    A: 180°

    What is west on the azimuth scale?

    A: 270°

    How can a pilot determine the azimuth of a nearby airport?

    A: by using a compass and a map

    How can a sailor determine the azimuth of a distant island?

    A: by using a sextant and a nautical chart

    How can an astronomer determine the azimuth of a celestial body?

    A: by using a telescope and a star chart


    Azimuth:

    Basic dimensions

    [angle]

    Standard unit for planar polar angle

    radian

    Usage type

    scalar

    Alternate descriptions

    azimuth | angular coordinate

    Base physical quantity

    plane angle

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