Definition

A horizontal angle reckoned clockwise from the meridian. The horizontal direction of a celestial point from a terrestrial point, expressed as the angular distance from a reference direction. It is usually measured from 000° at the reference direction clockwise through 360°. An azimuth is often designated as true, magnetic, compass, grid, or relative as the reference direction is true, magnetic, compass, or grid north, or heading, respectively. Unless otherwise specified, the term is generally understood to apply to true azimuth which may be further defined as the arc of the horizon, or the angle at the zenith, between the north part of the celestial meridian or principal vertical circle and a vertical circle, measured from 000° at the north part of the principal vertical circle clockwise through 360°. When the angle is measured in either direction from north or south, and labelled accordingly, it is properly called azimuth angle; when measured either direction from east or west, and labeled accordingly, it is called AMPLITUDE.