4.

HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONS

4.1 Introduction The location of points and orientation of lines often depends on the measurement of angles and directions. In surveying, directions are given by bearings and azimuths. Angles can be measured in the horizontal plane, and the vertical plane (see Chapter 5). Three basic values determine a bearing. They are: a. b. c. reference or starting direction direction of angle measurement size of angle measured

Figure 4.1 Bearing Determination

uuu r Bearing A to B = AB = 00 00' 00" + Angle 1

uuu r Bearing A to C = AC = 00 00' 00" + Angle 2

uuu r = AB + (Angle 2 Angle 1) uuu uuu r r AB = BA 1800 uuu uuu r r AB = AB 3600

4.2 Units In Australia the units are based on a sexagesimal system of degrees, minutes and seconds. In Europe the grad is a standard unit. For computations, the units used are usually radians. 1 circle = 360 = 400 grad = 2 radians.

4.3

Definitions

For horizontal angles the following definitions apply. a. b. Direction - A single, arbitrary, pointing and reading in an angular measurement system. Angle - Difference between two direction readings.

Directions and angles do not necessarily relate to any known reference frame. c. Bearing or Azimuth - A direction referenced to a known reference frame. d. Reference Frames - Bearings can be related to true north (astronomic north), magnetic north, or an assumed north.
4.4 Calculating Bearings