What Is Triangulation?
Triangulation is a method used to determine the location of an unknown point by forming a triangle. It involves measuring the angles to the unknown point from two known points, which form a fixed baseline of a known length.
Section 2: How Triangulation Works
The core principle of triangulation relies on trigonometry. By knowing the length of one side of a triangle (the baseline) and the two angles at each end of that baseline, you can calculate the lengths of the other two sides and the coordinates of the third, unknown point. This is typically done using the Law of Sines.
Section 3: A Practical Example
Imagine two surveyors on one side of a river wanting to find the distance to a tree on the opposite bank. They measure the distance between their two positions, creating a baseline. Then, each surveyor uses an instrument like a theodolite to measure the angle between the baseline and their line of sight to the tree. With one known side and two known angles, they can calculate the distance to the tree without ever crossing the river.
Section 4: Importance and Applications
Triangulation is a fundamental technique in many fields. It has been historically crucial for map-making, navigation, and land surveying. Modern applications include astronomy for measuring the distance to nearby stars, and it is a foundational principle behind how the Global Positioning System (GPS) network functions to pinpoint locations on Earth.