Three-Dimensional Azimuth of GPS Vector

Abstract

The azimuth of a line is a 2-dimensional (2D) phenomenon whose meaning is determined by its circumstance. With the advent of global positioning system (GPS) surveying and making spatial data computations in a 3D environment, it is convenient to compute azimuth as the arctan(Δe/Δn) where Δe and Δn represent local geodetic horizon components of a 3D vector (GPS baseline) defined by ΔX/ΔY/ΔZ geocentric coordinate differences. This paper describes the geometrical characteristics of such an azimuth, proposes it to be called the 3D azimuth, and shows how the 3D azimuth is related to a geodetic azimuth.