[OSM-newbies] Measuring angles from two positions sufficient to give location?

[Bill Ricker]

> > Given this information, can I tell the positions of A, B, and C?

> Yes:

correct.  each of your three measured angles determines a circle
through the two known points. Where the three circles intersect, is
where you are.

Typically the three arcs don't quite intersect in an exact point, so
the triangle formed by the three intersections is the probable region.
The slightest error in angular measure shifts both the center and
radius of the circle produced, so this requires high precision for
precise results.

This probable triangle is a more obvious uncertainty than taking
bearings TO X from A and B, whence the region of uncertainty resulting
from the error of measurements is non-obvious, and balloons in range
behind the most likely point as baseline shrinks in comparison to
range.


--
Bill
n1vux at arrl.net bill.n1vux at gmail.com