Applications of Bearings

Understanding Bearings

Bearings are a way of describing direction. They are used in navigation to describe the direction from one point to another using angles measured clockwise from the north direction.

Bearings are usually expressed in three-digit format, such as 035° or N35°E.

Key Points

• Three-Digit Bearings: Always written with three digits, e.g., 035°.
• Compass Bearings: Use cardinal points, e.g., N35°E.
• Measured Clockwise: Bearings are measured clockwise from the north direction.

Applications of Bearings

Bearings are used in various real-life applications, such as navigation, aviation, and land surveying.

Examples of Applications

• Navigation: Ships and aircraft use bearings to navigate from one location to another.
• Surveying: Land surveyors use bearings to determine property boundaries.
• Orienteering: In sports like orienteering, bearings help participants navigate through courses.

Worked Example