Bearings

Here is a summary on how to find bearings on a topographical map.

📌 Key Rules for Bearings

There are three essential rules to remember when working with bearings:

1. Always Measure from North: The starting line for any bearing measurement is the North line 0°.

2. Always Measure Clockwise: The angle is measured in a clockwise direction from the North line.

3. Always Give 3 Digits: Bearings must always be expressed using three digits.

   • Example: North is 000°, Northeast is 045°.

🧭 Types of Bearings

There are two main systems for expressing bearings in geography:

1. True Bearing (or Three-Digit Bearing)

• Definition: The angle measured clockwise from the True North (Geographic North Pole) line.

• Range: Expressed in degrees from 0° to 360°.

• Examples:

  • East is 90°

  • South is 180°

  • West is 270°

  • North is 360° or 0°

2. Compass Bearing (or Quadrantal Bearing)

• Definition: Direction is expressed using the nearest Cardinal Point (North or South), followed by the angle, and then the direction (East or West).

• Range: The angle is always between $\mathbf{0^{\circ}}$ and $\mathbf{90^{\circ}}$.

• Examples:

📏 Measuring Bearings

To find the bearing of point B from point A:

1. Start Point: Place the center of a protractor (or compass rose) exactly on the starting point (A).

2. North Line: Draw or align a 0° North line vertically upwards from point A.

3. Target Line: Draw a straight line connecting A to the destination point (B).

4. Measure: Measure the angle in a clockwise direction from the 0° North line to the line connecting A and B.