Triangulering

Triangulering, or triangulation, is a method for determining location, distance, or truth by forming and analyzing triangles. In surveying, it originally involved establishing a network of triangles with a known baseline and measuring angles to compute coordinates of survey points. The accuracy depends on the length and stability of the baseline, the precision of instruments, and the geometric strength of the network.

In geodesy, navigation, and astronomy, triangulation locates objects or observers by comparing angles or distances to fixed reference points or by using a baseline between observation points. For example, in surveying a point is found from at least two measured angles relative to known stations; in astronomy, parallax uses a baseline between observers to infer stellar distances.

In research methodology, triangulation refers to the use of multiple data sources, methods, investigators, or theories to study a phenomenon. By converging evidence, triangulation aims to enhance validity, reduce bias, and provide a more robust understanding.

In computer graphics and geographic information systems, triangulation is the division of a surface into triangles to create meshes for rendering, modeling, or interpolation. Delaunay triangulation is a common algorithm used to produce well-shaped triangles and to interpolate values across a surface.