Overview
The lecture explains different methods to describe direction and bearings using axes, bearings (compass degrees), and compass points, highlighting their definitions and rules.
Describing Direction Using Axes
- Directions can be described as above, below, left, or right of the axes (x-axis or y-axis).
- For example, left of the negative y-axis or 78 degrees below the negative x-axis.
Bearings
- Bearings represent direction on a 360-degree circle, similar to a compass.
- Bearings start at 0° at the top (North), 90° at East, 180° at South, and 270° at West, moving clockwise.
- Bearings differ from angle measurements in trigonometry (math).
- Example: A 60° angle from North is a bearing of 60°; a full angle of 192° is a bearing of 192°.
Compass Points and Notation
- Compass points (North, East, South, West) and their combinations (e.g., Southwest) are used for directions.
- Directions exactly between compass points, like Southwest, are always at 45°.
- Other directions are specified as degrees towards a compass point (e.g., 30° North of East means start at East and move 30° towards North).
- Directions like "West of South" mean starting at South and measuring towards West.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Bearing — A method of describing direction as an angle measured clockwise from North on a 360° compass.
- Compass Points — The main directions on a compass: North, East, South, West, and intermediates (e.g., Southwest).
- North of East — The angle measured from East towards North.
- West of South — The angle measured from South towards West.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice drawing bearings and labeling compass directions on diagrams.
- Review differences between trigonometric angles and compass bearings.