What is a critical aspect of using bearings in surveying?

In the context of surveying, a critical aspect of using bearings is that they are based on a compass and cardinal directions. Bearings are a way to describe the direction of one point relative to another using angles measured from the north or south towards the east or west. This method provides a clear and standardized way to navigate and orient survey lines.

The use of cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west) allows surveyors to communicate locations unambiguously, making it easier to follow and document lines of sight or boundaries on maps. This system relies on basic geometric principles, which are fundamental to various surveying techniques.

While other aspects of surveying do involve calculations and mathematical models, the essential reliance on cardinal directions is what makes bearings a practical and widely used method in this field.