þríhyrningamælingum

Triangulation is a surveying method that relies on the principles of trigonometry to determine the unknown position of a point. This is achieved by measuring angles from known points to the unknown point. The process involves creating a network of connected triangles, where the positions of the vertices are known or can be calculated. Once two sides and one angle of a triangle are known (or two angles and one side), the remaining sides and angles can be calculated using trigonometric relationships such as the sine rule and cosine rule.

In practice, triangulation involves establishing a base line of precisely known length. From each end of this base line, angles are measured to a third point, forming a triangle. The lengths of the other sides of this triangle can then be calculated. This process is repeated, extending the network of triangles across the area to be surveyed. The accuracy of triangulation depends heavily on the precision of the angle measurements and the length of the base line. Historically, this method was crucial for mapping large areas and determining the positions of distant landmarks before the advent of GPS technology. Its applications have included cartography, navigation, and astronomical observations.