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Azimuth vs. Bearing

Azimuth and bearing are sometimes used interchangeably, but they refer to different concepts and describe different values. An azimuth is the direction of travel shown on a compass, measured from north. A bearing describes an angle or angle difference relative to a reference point, usually a compass direction.

NW NE
Bearing = 360° - Az. Bearing = Az.
Bearing = Az.- 180° Bearing = 180° - Az.
SW SE
  • An azimuth is an angle between 0° and 360°, measured clockwise from north.
  • A bearing is an angle smaller than 90° within a quadrant that is bounded by two cardinal directions.

“South 45°E” and “135°” are therefore the same direction, expressed as bearing and azimuth respectively.

A bearing can be expressed in MIL or degrees, while an azimuth is usually expressed in degrees.

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