Azimuth
Azimuth
Azimuth (/ˈæzɪməθ/; from Arabic السمت as-sumūt, 'the directions') is an angular measurement used in the fields of cartography, astronomy, geography, and navigation. It is the angle between the projected vector and a reference vector on the reference plane.
Etymology
The term Azimuth comes from the Arabic السمت as-sumūt, which means 'the directions'. It was adopted in Middle English via Old French and Latin from Arabic during the Middle Ages.
Definition
In cartography, Azimuth is the horizontal angle or direction of a compass bearing. In astronomy, it is the horizontal angle of an observed point, such as a star or planet, from a reference direction, usually the north or south point of the horizon.
Related Terms
- Altitude (astronomy): The angle between the object and the observer's horizon. It complements the Azimuth to define the position of an object in the sky.
- Bearing (navigation): A navigation term that refers to the direction one is to travel.
- Celestial navigation: A practice of position fixing that enables a navigator to transition through a space without having to rely on estimated calculations, or dead reckoning, to know their position.
- Great circle: The largest circle that can be drawn on a sphere. Azimuths are the angles at the center of the sphere (the Earth, for example) between the observer, the North Pole and the object being observed.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Azimuth
- Wikipedia's article - Azimuth
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