CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification Practice

Which of the following accurately describes bearing?

1. An angle between 0° and 90°

2. Measured clockwise from North

3. An angle less than 90° within a quadrant defined by cardinal directions

4. Measured from the horizontal line

The correct answer is: An angle less than 90° within a quadrant defined by cardinal directions

Bearing is a navigational term that describes the direction to an object relative to a reference direction, typically North. It is conventionally expressed in degrees from North, with values ranging from 0° to 360°. The correct option accurately captures the essence of how bearings are established within the context of the four quadrants formed by the cardinal directions, namely North, East, South, and West. Choosing the option regarding an angle less than 90° within a quadrant correctly recognizes that bearings, when defined using standard quadrant measures, adhere to this principle when taken from North to the nearest East or West direction. This means that bearings can indeed reside within ranges such as 0° to 90° towards the East, and 270° to 360° towards the West. The description emphasizes the importance of quadrant divisions, which help in orienting angles relative to cardinal directions. Understanding bearings also involves the realization that they provide a compact way to communicate directions, aligning with the convention of quadrant angles, where specific directional guidelines must be adhered to. The other options do not fully represent the comprehensive definition and application of bearings in surveying terms.