Three-Figure Bearings: Definitions and Examples

Bearings are an integral part of our everyday lives, from car engines to the wheels of your grocery cart. We’re often unaware how much we rely on them and the significant role they play in keeping our world running smoothly. But what is a bearing? What are three-figure bearings and why do we need them? This blog post will provide the answers to those questions and more. We’ll discuss what bearings are, what three-figure bearings are, and some examples of where they’re used in everyday life. With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions when it comes time to purchase or repair bearings for any project. Let’s get started!

What are Three-Figure Bearings?

A three-figure bearing is an angle measurement that expresses the direction of one point relative to another point using only three digits. The first and last digits of a three-figure bearing are whole numbers between 0 and 360, while the middle digit is always a zero. The direction of a three-figure bearing is always measured clockwise from North.

Here are a few examples of what three-figure bearings look like:

120° (bearing from North to East)
270° (bearing from West to North)
180° (bearing from South to West)

To find the three-figure bearing between two points, you will need to use a compass or other navigational tool that can measure directions in degrees. Once you have found the direction of one point relative to the other, simply express it as a three-digit number.

Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a negative bearing, so if your reading is west of north, simply subtract the amount west of north from 360° to get your final number. For example, if your reading was 350°, the final bearing would be 10° (360 – 350 = 10).

A Brief History of Three-Figure Bearings

Three-figure bearings are used to express direction relative to true north. The first number in a three-figure bearing expresses the number of degrees clockwise from true north, and the second and third numbers express the number of minutes and seconds, respectively, of arc that make up the angle. For example, a bearing of 045° would be read as “zero degrees, forty-five minutes,” while a bearing of 005° 30′ would be read as “zero degrees, five minutes, thirty seconds.”

The system of three-figure bearings was developed by mariners in the early days of sea travel. It was essential for sailors to be able to determine their position and plot their course using only a compass and a nautical chart. To do this, they needed a way to express direction that was more precise than simply saying “north,” “south,” “east,” or “west.”

The system of three-figure bearings is still used today by navigators and surveyors. It is also commonly used by hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts to describe the location of specific landmarks or features on a map.

How are Three-Figure Bearings used?

There are a few different ways that three-figure bearings can be used. The most common way is to use them as a reference for taking a bearing from one point to another. This can be done by aligning the two points on the map, and then drawing a line between them. The angle of the line will give you the three-figure bearing.

Another way that three-figure bearings can be used is by using them as a reference when walking in a straight line. This can be done by setting your compass to the desired bearing, and then walking in a straight line until you reach your destination.

Finally, three-figure bearings can also be used to triangulate your position. This can be done by taking bearings from two known points on the map, and then drawing lines between them on the map. The point where the lines intersect will give you your current position.

What are some examples of Three-Figure Bearings?

A three-figure bearing is simply a compass direction expressed as degrees, minutes and seconds. For example, the bearing of due north would be 000°00’00”, east would be090°00’00”, south would be 180°00’00” and west would be 270°00’00”.

Some other examples of three-figure bearings would be:

• 45°30’15” (45 degrees, 30 minutes, 15 seconds)
• 128°15’45” (128 degrees, 15 minutes, 45 seconds)
• 200°45’30” (200 degrees, 45 minutes, 30 seconds)
• 337°30’15” (337 degrees, 30 minutes, 15 seconds)

Pros and Cons of a Three-Figure Bearing

A three-figure bearing is a directions measurement expressed as a degree, minute, and second. The three figures correspond to degrees (°), minutes (‘), and seconds (“). For example, a bearing of 045°30’15” would be read as zero degrees, 45 minutes, 30 seconds, and 15 seconds.

There are pros and cons to using a three-figure bearing. On the one hand, it provides a more precise measurement than a two-figure bearing. This can be helpful when trying to navigate to a specific location. On the other hand, it can be more difficult to convert a three-figure bearing into an equivalent two-figure bearing (or vice versa).

Modern Day: Uses of a Three-Figure Bearing

A three-figure bearing is a method of navigation that uses the angles between three landmarks to determine one’s position. The bearings can be measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds, or in decimal degrees.

Three-figure bearings are used by hikers, boaters, pilots, and surveyors to pinpoint their location. They are also used by search and rescue teams to locate missing persons.

To take a three-figure bearing, a person first finds two landmarks that are visible from their current location. Then, using a compass, they draw an imaginary line between the two landmarks. The angle formed by this line and the north-south line is the bearing.

For example, if someone were standing at the base of the Empire State Building looking north toward Central Park, their bearing would be 360 degrees (a due north bearing). If they were standing at the same spot but looking southwest toward the Statue of Liberty, their bearing would be 225 degrees (measured clockwise from due north).

Bearings can also be taken using landmarks that are not directly visible. For example, if someone were standing in Central Park looking east toward the Empire State Building but unable to see it because of trees, they could use another landmark like Fifth Avenue as a reference point. By drawing an imaginary line between Fifth Avenue and the Empire State Building and measuring the angle formed, they could calculate their bearing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, three-figure bearings are an important navigational tool for anyone traveling by land. By understanding what a 3-figure bearing is and how to use it correctly, you can easily determine the direction of your travel without having to resort to complex calculations or complicated maps. With the help of these simple measurements, navigating your way will be easier than ever before!