CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification Practice

Which angle measurement is defined from the Northern reference line?

1. Bearing

2. Azimuth

3. Zenith Angle

4. Right Deflection Angle

The correct answer is: Azimuth

The term that is defined from the Northern reference line is azimuth. An azimuth is a horizontal angle measured clockwise from a designated reference direction, which is typically true north. This angle is expressed in degrees, ranging from 0° to 360°, where 0° corresponds to north, 90° to east, 180° to south, and 270° to west. Understanding azimuth is crucial in land surveying as it helps in accurately determining directions and positions relative to north, which is foundational for various navigational tasks. Azimuth readings allow surveyors to create precise maps and conduct alignments based on geographic coordinates. Bearing, while it also involves direction measurement, is defined more specifically in relation to cardinal directions (north, east, south, west) and does not universally measure from a Northern reference line like azimuth does. Zenith angle refers to the angle between a vertical line and the line of sight to an object, which is not directly related to the concept of measuring direction from north. The right deflection angle is used to measure angles in a clockwise direction from a line that is already established, but it does not inherently reference the north line.