26.2 : Azimuths and Bearings

Azimuths and bearings are essential concepts in surveying, providing methods to express the direction of a line relative to a meridian. 

Azimuths refer to the clockwise angle measured from the north end of a reference meridian to the given line, ranging from zero to 360 degrees. This method gives a comprehensive directional reference within a full 360-degree circle, making it a straightforward way to communicate direction in various fields, including navigation, cartography, and construction.

Bearings, in contrast, offer a more segmented approach by indicating direction within one of four quadrants formed by the north-south and east-west axes. Bearing measurements include a reference direction, an inclination angle, and a direction of inclination, such as northeast or southwest. The bearing angle is always under 90 degrees, making this method ideal for detailing direction within a specific quadrant. While azimuths change only in angle as lines move through quadrants, bearings adjust the reference direction, angle, and inclination. 

Both azimuths and bearings are crucial in precise location mapping, where defining exact line orientation is essential for planning, property demarcation, and alignment in infrastructure development. Their use provides clarity and precision, ensuring that directions and positions are understood universally across surveying applications.