What is azimuth and how is it indicated. What is an azimuth? What are the azimuths? What is rhumb line. How to determine the azimuth - movement in azimuth
Azimuth, magnetic and true - the angle formed at a given point on the ground or on the map by the direction to the north and to any object. Azimuth is used for orientation when moving in the forest, in the mountains, in the sandy desert or in conditions of poor visibility(at night, in heavy fog), when it is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to compare the map with the terrain and navigate it.
With the help of the azimuth, the direction of movement of ships at sea and aircraft is also determined.
On the ground, the azimuths are counted from the direction of the compass needle (its northern end) clockwise from 0 ° to 360 °, in other words, from the magnetic meridian of a given point. If the object is exactly to the north from the observer, then its azimuth is 0 °, if in the east - 90 °, in the south - 180 °, in the west - 270 °. When observing with a compass, the magnetic azimuth is measured.
For determining magnetic azimuth the compass is positioned so that the zero division on the dial and the letter "C" point exactly to the north, that is, they orient the compass along the sides of the horizon. At the same time, it is desirable that the compass be placed on a high stump or on the end of a stake vertically driven into the ground.
Making sure that the compass box remains stationary and the arrow does not deviate from the zero division, rotate the sighting device and point the front sight at the object whose azimuth must be determined. They notice about what number on the limb (divided into degrees circle) the pointer stopped at the same time. The pointer reading (in degrees) is equal to the azimuth of the given object. If the compass does not have a sighting device, it can be replaced by a thin stick, which is placed on the compass glass so that it passes through the center of the dial and is directed at the object whose azimuth is to be determined.
The figure shows examples of determining azimuths for some local objects: the azimuth to the tower is 0 °, to a separate tree - 50 °, to the house - 295 °.
Movement in azimuth. Sometimes it is necessary to reach some object on the ground and return back. To know which azimuth to go back, you need to add 180 ° to the found azimuth. We get the reverse azimuth. For example, if one should move from the bridge to the tree along the azimuth of 50°, then back along the azimuth of 230° (50° +180°=230°). If, when calculating the back azimuth, the sum of the angles turns out to be more than 360 °, then this value (360 °) is discarded. For example, the direct azimuth from the bridge to the house is 295°, and the reverse azimuth is 115° (295° +180°-360° = 115°).
It happens that the object to which it is necessary to reach along a given azimuth is not visible to the observer (behind the forest, hill). They act like this. They find the required azimuth on the compass and try to find some landmark in this direction (a tall tree, a mound, a tower). Remove the compass and move in the direction of the landmark. Having reached it, the same azimuth is again determined and the movement continues. It happens that on the way there was a swamp or a lake. Then the compass determines the desired azimuth and try to find a landmark on the opposite side. Then the compass is removed and move around the encountered obstacle. Having reached the chosen landmark, the compass determines the azimuth and continues to move.
Moving through the forest, the compass is held in the palm of your hand in front of you so that the zero division all the time coincides with the northern end of the arrow.
Determining the azimuth on the map. The azimuth is also determined from the map. Suppose, during a hike, local historians need to go from the camp to the forester's lodge, which is located 5 km from it. To determine the azimuth on the map, a protractor is used. In our example, the azimuth from the camp to the forester's lodge is 55°. After the azimuth on the map is determined, they find it on the ground using the compass and go in the right direction.
Azimuth survey. With the help of a compass, you can draw a plan of a small area of area. To do this, from a certain point (in our example, from the bridge), azimuths are determined to the visible local items, measure distances to them and enter the data in the table:
Then a point is placed on a sheet of paper, from which the azimuths and distances to local objects were determined; from it, with the help of a protractor, azimuths are laid off and, on a certain scale, distances to objects that are indicated by conventional symbols.
Most people, going to the forest or mountains, wonder how to find the bearing . In order to do this, you need to stock up on special items. Most often, a compass is used to determine the azimuth. But there are also a huge number of other ways that will help you find this value and quickly determine the location of a person on the map. To determine the azimuth in the old, old-fashioned ways, there are many simple devices that can always be at hand.
What it is
Azimuth helps to determine the position on the ground if someone is lost in the forest, mountains or steppe. When a person goes for a walk in nature and for some reason cannot find his way back, a compass will help him. It is necessary to determine the azimuth. This concept means the angle between the direction to the north and to any noticeable object on the ground. But many do not know how to find the bearing, so they cannot determine their location.
These skills are taught at school, for this there are special classes that every person should attend. In the school curriculum, the teacher must necessarily teach each child how to find the azimuth using a compass . Practical classes are held, where children independently determine this value. Finding the azimuth is necessary in order to quickly find out your location. In the future, having learned to do this, a person can easily lay out a route that will help find the way home.
Ways to determine the azimuth
Every person in his life can face trouble during outdoor recreation, especially if he is in an unfamiliar place. Therefore, with you to nature, you need to take a compass, which will indicate how to find the azimuth .
There are several ways to do this:
- using a compass;
- by the sun;
- improvised means;
Every person should know all these methods, because situations are different, and determining the azimuth can be a salvation. This angle can be determined using special modern devices that are created using the latest technologies. Now there are a huge number of navigators, electronic maps and other devices that can easily determine the azimuth. All modern gadgets have many functions that can easily not only determine the location of a person, but also lay the necessary route.
Determination of the magnetic azimuth
This will help to find the right route for a person who is lost. In special orientation lessons at school, the teacher tells the children how to find the magnetic bearing.
This topic needs special attention. Before you can find the bearing using the magnetic field, you need to prepare a compass that works. Determining bearing is finding north on a map, compass, and waypoint where you want to get to. If everything is done correctly, a person can easily determine his location.
Determination of the azimuth using a protractor
If you do not have a compass at hand, you can use other means. An experienced professional who can easily find a way out of any situation also knows how to find the azimuth using a protractor.
Of course, this item is rarely taken on a hike, but situations are different, for example, schoolchildren in the countryside can get lost. In this way, they will be able to find out their location. Determining the azimuth using a protractor is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. In addition to this item, a person will need:
- map;
- ruler;
- pencil.
With the help of these devices, a person can easily learn how to find the azimuth . It is necessary to take a map, calculate the azimuth angle using a ruler, and draw the desired route with a pencil. This is the method most people use most often in practice, especially if you have all the necessary items somewhere in your bag.
Determination of the true azimuth
A more complex method is used by tourists, athletes. In order to properly navigate the terrain, they need to know how to find the true bearing. In order to find it, you need to understand what it is.
True azimuth is an angle with two faces, which is connected by several planes, vertical and geodesic. With it, you can determine the exact location of the route on the map. The true azimuth is measured from the north geographic pole clockwise to the line on the ground. Such calculations are a little more complicated than the others. But experienced people who know well how to determine the azimuth in this way will cope with it without difficulty.
Orientation on the ground
In order to determine your location well, you need to study a lot useful information. Without such knowledge, it is not recommended to go far from populated areas. Orientation on the ground is a clear definition of the location of a person on the map. Now there are a huge number of special devices that can do this instantly.
Nowadays, all people have mobile phones that have accessibility location determination. There is a special program for determining the azimuth.
Using all these simple tips, a person can go hiking without fear. With the help of devices such as a compass and a map, you can be calm while relaxing in nature. Therefore, before you go to nature, you need to put them in your bag first of all. Mobile phone, of course, can help in a difficult situation, but it tends to discharge, so it's better to trust the old and reliable method.
Hi all! In continuation of the topic on orienteering, as promised, I propose an article, azimuth and how to determine it. In any campaign or journey, when using a map, if poor visibility or terrain does not allow you to visually compare the map and the terrain, determining the azimuth and moving along it will greatly facilitate the task of orienting. So what is azimuth?
Azimuth is the angle between the direction of the geographic meridian and the direction to any remote object from the observation point (denoted as Am). Azimuth is measured in degrees and can range from 0° to 360°, usually measured clockwise. Azimuths can be direct and reverse. Direct azimuth, clockwise from 0°, it shows the direction from the observer to the object. Back azimuth, shows the direction, from the subject to the observer. To get the back azimuth, you need to add 180 ° to the forward azimuth if the forward azimuth is less than 180 °, or subtract this value if more than 180 °. Example: direct azimuth, to a lone tree 330°, then the reverse azimuth will be: 330°-180°=150°. To quickly determine landmarks, you need to remember the directions of the main and intermediate sides of the horizon in degrees, clockwise: North - 0 ° (or 360 °, if counterclockwise), East - 90 °, Northeast - 45 °, Southeast - 135°, South - 180°, Southwest - 225°, West - 270°, Northwest - 315°.
When determining the cardinal points (horizon), one must take into account that the geographic and magnetic poles of the earth do not coincide, they are at some distance from each other. Therefore, the compass needle does not point exactly to the North, but a little to the side, to the North magnetic pole. The same thing happens with the South Pole, in the southern hemisphere of the earth. To avoid confusion in the calculations, you need to know that any map is oriented to the geographic pole, and the compass needle points to the magnetic pole. The difference between them is a few degrees, this angle is called, Magnetic declination. Magnetic declination, may be East, the compass needle deviates east of the true (geographic) meridian and is indicated by "+". Or Western, the deviation of the arrow to the west and the designation "-". This difference must be taken into account when transferring the azimuth obtained on the map (true azimuth) to the azimuth along which you will go using a compass (magnetic azimuth). When translating the true azimuth into magnetic, with an easterly declination, the true azimuth must be reduced by the value of the declination, with a western increase. The magnitude of the magnetic declination is not the same in different areas, for example: for the Moscow region it is +7, +8 ° (Eastern declination), but in general in Russia it varies significantly. There is a site where you can determine the magnetic declination for any point on the earth.
To determine the azimuth on the ground using a compass, stand facing the landmark, the direction to which must be determined by rotating the compass, combine the northern end of the compass needle with zero division on the limb (compass dial). Further, leaving the compass body motionless and making sure that the arrow does not deviate from the zero division, we rotate the sighting device until the rear sight is aimed at the object whose azimuth must be determined. We note about which number on the limb, the pointer-triangle stopped, we combine in one line, the object, the front sight and the rear sight, the resulting angle between the compass needle and the orientation object and there will be the required azimuth.
Next, consider the methods of movement on the map, using a pre-laid route, in azimuths. The number of landmarks and the choice of the route of movement are determined depending on the nature of the terrain, tasks and conditions of the upcoming movement. The main thing is to choose a route that would provide a quick exit to the designated landmark (object). Therefore, it is desirable to choose a route without unnecessary turns, with sections that are most convenient for movement, taking into account the avoidance of obstacles encountered on the ground. And so, we select the landmarks and connect them with straight lines (example in the figure) if they do not intersect the grid lines on the map, they must be continued until the intersection, this is done to facilitate the determination of the azimuth angles. After that, on the map, for each segment of the route, we determine the directional angle and, introducing a direction correction, translate it into a magnetic azimuth, which we write on the map opposite the corresponding section. This angle is measured clockwise, using a protractor or compass. This is done like this, we lay down a map with a drawn route on a flat surface, orient it as accurately as possible according to the compass, taking into account the direction correction. Then, without changing the orientation of the map, we apply the compass to the first line of the route, so that the direction North - South coincides with the drawn direction, while the North should be directed in the direction of movement. After the compass needle calms down, we make a reading along the compass dial, under its northern end, subtract the resulting number from 360 ° and get the magnetic azimuth of the desired direction. For example (in the figure) in the first section, the magnetic azimuth is: 360°-340°=20°, the azimuth of the second section: 360°-30°=330°, in the same way, sequentially, we determine the azimuths of all other sections of the route. Next, we measure the length of each section, on the ground this can be done using the method, pairs of steps (average length of 2 pairs of steps = 1.5 meters), example: if the distance of the section is 1200m, then in pairs of steps it will be: 1200: 1.5= 800 pairs of steps. It is also desirable to record the time of passage of each section by the clock. All data is also recorded on the map, against their sites.
When moving along azimuths, on the ground, there may be all kinds of obstacles (forest blockages, swamps, lakes, etc.) that are easier to bypass than to overcome. Therefore, you need to be able to bypass obstacles without losing orientation. Consider two ways to bypass obstacles, 1 when the opposite side of the obstacle is visible (Fig. a), 2 when the opposite side of the obstacle is not visible (Fig. b). In the first case, everything is simple: we notice a landmark in the direction of movement, on the opposite side of the obstacle, and without losing sight of it, go around the obstacle, continue moving along the planned route, from the landmark that was used during the bypass (Fig. a). The second case is more complicated, we act as follows, example: (Fig. b) suppose that the movement was made along the azimuth of 50 ° and 340 pairs of steps were passed before stopping in front of the obstacle. After studying the terrain, it was decided to bypass the obstacle on the left side. We determine by compass, the azimuth of the direction along the obstacle (from point A to point B), we continue to move in this direction, while counting, in pairs of steps, to the right border of the obstacle. In the figure, the azimuth from point A to point B is 320°, and the distance traveled is 142 pairs of steps. We stop at point B, determine by compass, the direction of the initial azimuth along which you were moving, before meeting with an obstacle of 50 °, we continue to move until we go over the obstacle and keep counting in pairs of steps, from point B to go beyond the obstacle to point C, in the figure , the distance is 238 pairs of steps. From point C we move to the right, we already have data on the azimuth of movement from point A to point B, we translate them into reverse azimuth (in the figure, the reverse azimuth is 140 °) and move from point C, along the reverse azimuth, counting exactly 142 pairs of steps , this will be point D, at point D, again we determine by compass, the direction of the azimuth of the initial movement is 50 ° and continue moving along the intended route. Be sure to save the obstacle avoidance data and add distances to the route, this will help calculate the distance traveled when returning along the same azimuths.
If the situation allows, it is best to bypass obstacles along linear landmarks, these can be clearings, rivers, streams, power lines, their azimuths are determined and marked on the map in advance, this will greatly facilitate your orientation on the move. At the slightest doubt, in the correctness of the movement, in both of the above cases, it is necessary to stop and clarify your location by carefully comparing the map with the terrain, an example of the correct comparison of the map with the terrain is shown in the figure above.
For precise orientation of the map, you can use a regular pencil, attaching it to conventional sign landmark on the map (example in the figure, bridge), combine its direction with the direction of the landmark on the ground. Then they check whether all local objects and landforms located on the ground, to the right and left of the bridge, have the same location on the map. If all conditions match, the map is oriented correctly. And finally, the main reasons for orientation errors are not in faulty equipment, but in the lack of skills and experience in using this equipment, constant training and improving your knowledge in this area will help you find your way to the place you need in a critical situation. To start orienteering training, it is not even necessary to leave the house, it is enough to determine the point of your stay in the room and from it determine the azimuths of objects in this room.
Azimuth is the angle between two directions - north (in the southern hemisphere - south) and some object. The vertex of the corner is a point on the terrain where the calculation is carried out.
Azimuth is used for orientation on land, in the seas, in the air, where it is impossible to compare the map and the terrain and the exact direction of advance is necessary. Knowing the azimuth, you can reach the object without other landmarks, without knowing the territory at all.
Like any angle, azimuth is measured in degrees - from 0° to 360°. Azimuth is magnetic (Am) and true (Az).
How is the magnetic azimuth determined on the ground?
On a specific piece of land or water, the azimuth is measured from the magnetic meridian. To do this, you need to arrange in such a way that 0 ° and the letter "C" are located in the north - the magnetic needle will point there.
As soon as the north is found, rotate the sighting device so that its front sight and the object set for movement, whose azimuth you determine, coincide. During rotation, it is necessary to strictly monitor that the magnetic needle does not move away from 0 °. When all actions are completed, they look at how many degrees the pointer stands - they will be the azimuth - angle - of the given object.
When the compass is not equipped with a sighting device, an ordinary thin stick is used instead. First, in the same way as described above, the compass is oriented, and then a stick / straw / match is placed on it. It should cross the center of the dial, and one end of it should be strictly directed to the object. At how many degrees the end of the stick will lie, this is the azimuth.
How to determine the true azimuth on the map?
In the previous section, we described how the magnetic azimuth is determined. It is called magnetic, because in fact the compass needle does not point to the north, but to the magnetic pole of the Earth.
If you are guided not by the map, but by the azimuth measured in field conditions, then the above measurement is quite enough. However, when using a map, one more computational operation is required. 
The fact is that on the map the azimuth is measured as the angle between the meridian passing through the point (the top of the corner) and the object. But ... the meridian is directed to the North Pole, which does not coincide with the magnetic one, so the azimuth on the map and the azimuth on the ground will not match by an amount that the true and magnetic meridians do not match.
This difference is called magnetic declination. When the magnetic needle deviates to the east, the magnetic declination is east (denoted by "+"), to the west - western (denoted by "-"). There are no constant indicators for magnetic declination. So, in the Moscow region it is +7 ... +8 °, in the Irkutsk region it approaches zero, in other regions it can differ quite significantly.
To convert the true azimuth, determined from the map, into the magnetic, determined on the ground, you need:
- determine the true azimuth on the map;
- find this azimuth on the ground;
- if the magnetic declination is east, then shift the direction line to the left of the found one by a number of degrees equal to the declination;
- if the magnetic declination is western, then shift the direction line to the right of the one found by a number of degrees equal to the declination.
The magnitude of the magnetic declination is usually indicated on the map - in the marginal design, from below. If magnetic declination is not indicated on your map, you must know it before setting off, otherwise, in an unfamiliar area, at sea, the compass and maps will be useless.
In what situations is it necessary to be able to determine the azimuth, convert the true azimuth into magnetic?
If you have to determine the direction of movement to a point invisible on the ground, then first you will calculate the true bearing on the map. Next, in order to accurately know the direction, you need to convert the true azimuth to magnetic. Having done everything right, you will definitely get to the desired "point" - in locality, lake, river, etc.
The need to navigate by compass and azimuth often arises in the forest, in the mountains, in fog or snow, sandstorm, at night. Following the direction determined by the azimuth is the only way to move on ships in the sea and oceans, on airplanes in the sky. 
Such a simple but important skill is absolutely necessary for tourists, travelers who set off on their own, without guides.
Azimuth, magnetic and true- the angle formed at a given point on the ground or on the map by the direction to the north and to some object. The azimuth is used for orientation when moving in the forest, in the mountains, in the sandy desert or in conditions of poor visibility (at night, with heavy fog), when it is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to compare the map with the terrain and navigate it. With the help of the azimuth, the direction of movement of ships at sea and aircraft is also determined.
Various azimuths.
Compass orientation in azimuth.
Determining the azimuth on the map of the area.
On the ground, the azimuths are counted from the direction of the compass needle (its northern end) clockwise from 0 ° to 360 °, in other words, from the magnetic meridian of a given point. If the object is exactly to the north from the observer, then its azimuth is 0 °, if in the east - 90 °, in the south - 180 °, in the west - 270 °. When observing with a compass, the magnetic azimuth is measured.
To determine the magnetic azimuth, the compass is positioned so that the zero division on the dial and the letter “C” point exactly to the north, that is, they orient the compass along the sides of the horizon. At the same time, it is desirable that the compass be placed on a high stump or on the end of a stake vertically driven into the ground.
Making sure that the compass box remains stationary and the arrow does not deviate from the zero division, rotate the sighting device and point the front sight at the object whose azimuth must be determined. They notice about what number on the limb (divided into degrees circle) the pointer stopped at the same time. The pointer reading (in degrees) is equal to the azimuth of the given object. If the compass does not have a sighting device, it can be replaced by a thin stick, which is placed on the compass glass so that it passes through the center of the dial and is directed at the object whose azimuth is to be determined.
The figure shows examples of determining azimuths for some local objects: the azimuth to the tower is 0 °, to a separate tree - 50 °, to the house - 295 °.
Movement in azimuth. Sometimes it is necessary to reach some object on the ground and return back. To know which azimuth to go back, you need to add 180 ° to the found azimuth. We get the reverse azimuth. For example, if one should move from the bridge to the tree along the azimuth of 50°, then back - along the azimuth of 230° (50° + 180° = 230°). If, when calculating the back azimuth, the sum of the angles turns out to be more than 360 °, then this value (360 °) is discarded. For example, the direct azimuth from the bridge to the house is 295°, and the reverse azimuth is 115° (295° + 180° − 360° = 115°).
It happens that the object to which it is necessary to reach along a given azimuth is not visible to the observer (behind the forest, hill). They act like this. They find the required azimuth on the compass and try to find some kind of reference point(tall tree, mound, tower). Remove the compass and move in the direction of the landmark. Having reached it, the same azimuth is again determined and the movement continues. It happens that on the way there was a swamp or a lake. Then the compass determines the desired azimuth and try to find a landmark on the opposite side. Then the compass is removed and move around the encountered obstacle. Having reached the chosen landmark, the compass determines the azimuth and continues to move.
Moving through the forest, the compass is held in the palm of your hand in front of you so that the zero division all the time coincides with the northern end of the arrow.
Determining the azimuth on the map. The azimuth is also determined from the map. Suppose, during a hike, local historians need to go from the camp to the forester's lodge, which is located 5 km from it. To determine the azimuth on the map, a protractor is used. In our example, the azimuth from the camp to the forester's lodge is 55°. After the azimuth on the map is determined, they find it on the ground using the compass and go in the right direction.
Azimuth survey. With the help of a compass, you can draw a plan of a small area of area. To do this, from a certain point (in our example, from the bridge), the azimuths to visible local objects are determined, the distances to them are measured, and the data is entered in the table:
Then a point is placed on a sheet of paper, from which the azimuths and distances to local objects were determined; from it, with the help of a protractor, azimuths are laid off and, on a certain scale, distances to objects that are indicated by conventional symbols.
Using the table, calculate the scale on which the plan is drawn up in our example.
Azimuth true is defined on the map as the angle between the direction of the geographic meridian passing through a given point and the direction of the object. The geographic and magnetic poles do not match. Therefore, there is deflection. It may be Western or eastern. In geographical work on the ground, it has to be taken into account in the same way as when working with a map. The magnetic declination at this time is indicated behind the frame design of the map. Using this, one can easily convert azimuths from magnetic to true and vice versa.
