Azimuth Calculator
Calculate the azimuth (compass bearing) from one point to another. Determine the direction from your location to a target point.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the starting point coordinates (latitude and longitude).
- Enter the target point coordinates (latitude and longitude).
- The calculator displays the azimuth in degrees and compass direction.
- Use this for navigation, surveying, or finding direction between locations.
Azimuth Formula
Azimuth is calculated using spherical trigonometry:
x = cos(lat1) × sin(lat2) - sin(lat1) × cos(lat2) × cos(Δlon)
Azimuth = atan2(y, x) × 180/π
Normalize to 0-360° range
Example: From New York (40.7°N, 74°W) to Los Angeles (34.1°N, 118.2°W): Azimuth ≈ 260° (West-southwest). The calculation accounts for Earth\'s spherical shape and provides accurate bearing for navigation.
Full Description
Azimuth (also called bearing) is the compass direction from one point to another, measured in degrees clockwise from North. It\'s a fundamental concept in navigation, surveying, astronomy, and geography. Understanding azimuth helps you determine which direction to travel to reach a destination, navigate using a compass, or understand spatial relationships between locations.
Azimuth is calculated using spherical trigonometry to account for Earth\'s curved surface. The formula considers the latitude and longitude of both points and calculates the great-circle bearing between them. Azimuth ranges from 0° to 360°, where 0° (or 360°) is North, 90° is East, 180° is South, and 270° is West. The calculation provides true azimuth (relative to true North), not magnetic bearing (which requires magnetic declination adjustment).
This calculator helps you determine azimuth between two points. Enter starting and target coordinates, and it calculates the azimuth in degrees and compass direction. Use it for navigation, surveying, astronomy, understanding geographic relationships, or finding direction between locations. Azimuth is essential for navigation and geographic calculations!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is azimuth?
Azimuth (also called bearing) is the compass direction from one point to another, measured in degrees clockwise from North. 0° = North, 90° = East, 180° = South, 270° = West. Azimuth is used in navigation, surveying, and astronomy.
How is azimuth calculated?
Azimuth is calculated using spherical trigonometry. Formula: atan2(sin(Δlon) × cos(lat2), cos(lat1) × sin(lat2) - sin(lat1) × cos(lat2) × cos(Δlon)). The result is converted to degrees and normalized to 0-360° range.
What's the difference between azimuth and bearing?
Azimuth and bearing are often used interchangeably. Both measure direction from North. Azimuth is typically measured 0-360° clockwise from North. True bearing is the same. Magnetic bearing accounts for magnetic declination. This calculator provides true azimuth.
How accurate is azimuth calculation?
The calculation uses the Haversine formula for great-circle distance, which is accurate for most purposes. For very short distances (<1 km), flat Earth approximations may be simpler. For long distances, the spherical calculation accounts for Earth's curvature.