Distance and direction
Navigation requires distance and direction. Direction is usually given using three-figure bearings.
Example
A boat leaves harbour to sail around a nearby island. The journey is split into four legs (parts).
The first two legs are given in the table.
| Bearing | Distance | |
| 1st leg | \(063^{o}\) | \(5.3km\) |
| 2nd leg | \(105^{o}\) | \(7.0km\) |
| 3rd leg | ||
| 4th leg |
| 1st leg | |
| Bearing | \(063^{o}\) |
| Distance | \(5.3km\) |
| 2nd leg | |
| Bearing | \(105^{o}\) |
| Distance | \(7.0km\) |
| 3rd leg | |
| Bearing | |
| Distance |
| 4th leg | |
| Bearing | |
| Distance |
To complete the table, first draw a scale diagram.
Step one
Show the first two legs of the journey on the diagram.
Step two
Draw the 3rd and 4th legs on the diagram so that the ship travels to the point marked X and then on to the harbour.
Part three
Complete the table for these two legs showing the bearings and distance.
| Bearing | Distance | |
| 1st leg | \(063^{o}\) | \(5.3km\) |
| 2nd leg | \(105^{o}\) | \(7.0km\) |
| 3rd leg | \(238^{o}\) | \(5.9km\) |
| 4th leg | \(293^{o}\) | \(6.8km\) |
| 1st leg | |
| Bearing | \(063^{o}\) |
| Distance | \(5.3km\) |
| 2nd leg | |
| Bearing | \(105^{o}\) |
| Distance | \(7.0km\) |
| 3rd leg | |
| Bearing | \(238^{o}\) |
| Distance | \(5.9km\) |
| 4th leg | |
| Bearing | \(293^{o}\) |
| Distance | \(6.8km\) |