What is an azimuth?

An azimuth is defined as an angular measurement in degrees, specifically measured from a reference direction, typically true north. It is a crucial concept in land navigation, as it provides a way to represent the direction to a specific point or landmark from the observer's position. Azimuths are commonly used in conjunction with a compass, where the compass indicates the direction in degrees that correlates to that azimuth. For example, an azimuth of 90 degrees indicates east, while an azimuth of 270 degrees points west. This angular measurement allows navigators to plot courses, determine bearing changes, and orient themselves in relation to their surroundings effectively. Understanding azimuths is essential for successful navigation in both military and civilian contexts.