Figure 3. A typical triangulation diagram. In setting up map triangulations you take the coordinates of at least two known points and extend the azimuth from each point across the map. A back azimuth is established from the original point and a line extended across the rest of the map. When azimuth/back azimuth lines have been drawn for all points, the place where these lines intersect will be the coordinates of the unknown location. Note that an azimuth - back azimuth combination always forms a STRAIGHT line. If you wind up with a triangle on the map, the larger the triangle, the greater degree of error in plotting one or more of the lines.

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Last updated on October 6, 2005

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