Which navigation step is used to verify your position by checking the direction back to your starting point?

Which navigation step is used to verify your position by checking the direction back to your starting point?

• A. Use a compass bearing unrelated to start.
• B. Pace count.
• C. Terrain association.
• D. Back azimuth.

Answer: (D)

Back azimuth is the direction from your current location back to where you started. After you determine the bearing from the start to your current position, the back azimuth is the opposite direction (add or subtract 180 degrees). Using a compass to check that direction points toward your starting point lets you confirm you’re on the correct line of travel. If your back azimuth aligns with the line on your map and terrain features, you’ve verified your position relative to the start; if not, you’ve likely deviated and need to reorient. Pace count estimates distance, terrain association relies on features, and a random bearing not tied to your start doesn’t verify your position back to the origin.

Back azimuth is the direction from your current location back to where you started. After you determine the bearing from the start to your current position, the back azimuth is the opposite direction (add or subtract 180 degrees). Using a compass to check that direction points toward your starting point lets you confirm you’re on the correct line of travel. If your back azimuth aligns with the line on your map and terrain features, you’ve verified your position relative to the start; if not, you’ve likely deviated and need to reorient. Pace count estimates distance, terrain association relies on features, and a random bearing not tied to your start doesn’t verify your position back to the origin.