azimuths Definition
a horizontal angle measured clockwise from a north base line, used in navigation, astronomy, and surveying to locate an object or point in the sky.
Using azimuths: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "azimuths" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The navigator used the azimuth to determine the direction of the ship.
Example
The astronomer calculated the azimuth of the star using a telescope.
Example
The surveyor used an instrument called a theodolite to measure the azimuth of the building.
Phrases with azimuths
the angle between true north and the point on the horizon directly below the celestial body being observed
Example
The sailor used a sextant to determine the true azimuth of the sun.
the angle between magnetic north and the point on the horizon directly below the celestial body being observed
Example
The pilot used a compass to determine the magnetic azimuth of the runway.
a graduated circle attached to a telescope or other instrument used to measure azimuth angles
Example
The surveyor adjusted the azimuth circle on the theodolite to measure the angle accurately.
Summary: azimuths in Brief
'Azimuths' [ˈæzɪməθ] are horizontal angles measured clockwise from a north base line, used in navigation, astronomy, and surveying to locate an object or point in the sky. Examples include determining the direction of a ship, calculating the angle of a star, or measuring the angle of a building. Phrases like 'true azimuth,' 'magnetic azimuth,' and 'azimuth circle' refer to specific aspects of azimuth measurement.
