To improve accuracy, how many known locations should be used when plotting on a map?

Using two known locations when plotting on a map is essential for achieving an accurate position fix. When you only have one location, you can determine a position within a certain radius, but you lack the necessary triangulation to pinpoint an exact location. By incorporating two known points, you can create intersecting lines or ranges that converge at a specific point. This method enhances accuracy significantly, as it allows for the validation and correction of any potential errors that might occur from a single reference point.

In land navigation, the concept of triangulation relies on drawing lines from multiple known locations to find a position. If you were to use more than two points, like four or five, while they could potentially improve accuracy even more, they may complicate the process and aren't strictly necessary for basic navigation tasks.

Thus, while using two known locations is the minimum needed for an effective plotting practice, it strikes the right balance between accuracy and simplicity in navigation techniques.