Bearings Y8_Navigation_01.gif

 

Compass bearings
Compass bearings have a maximum of 90o and each one begins with either N or S, followed by the number of degrees east or west of that direction.

e.g. N40oW is shown in the diagram.

True or Whole Circle bearings
These bearings use North as 0o and the angle is measured in a clockwise direction.

e.g. The true bearing shown in the diagram is written as 320o.

True bearings are usually written with THREE digits. e.g. 085o

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For an exciting and fun practice with bearings − Y8_Navigation_03.gif

Comparisons

 
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Position

True bearings are used to describe the position of one point in relation to another.

 

Question What is the position of B from A?

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Answer Draw a line North from A. Measure the angle.

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B is 5 km from A on a bearing of 130o