Description
Calculate a wrapped signed transit-bearing error.
Nautical quantities require explicit north, datum, sign, station and unit conventions. A wrapped bearing error has a chosen opposite-direction endpoint, while a circular sector has its own start and end policy. Supplied polar speeds, tank factors and tide labels are references rather than verified navigation or vessel conditions.
Calculate a wrapped signed transit-bearing error.
When to use this tool
Use Transit Bearing Signed Error when you already have referenceBearingDegrees, observedBearingDegrees and need to calculate a wrapped signed transit-bearing error.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter referenceBearingDegrees, observedBearingDegrees. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read signedErrorDegrees. Use the output convention below.
Subtract separately reduced observed/reference bearings, reduce modulo 360 and wrap into (-180,180]; an opposite bearing returns +180.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| referenceBearingDegrees | Reference Bearing Degrees | Required. Finite number. |
| observedBearingDegrees | Observed Bearing Degrees | Required. Finite number. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| signedErrorDegrees | Observed-reference wrapped into (-180,180]; both antipodal directions return +180. | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"referenceBearingDegrees": 350,
"observedBearingDegrees": 10
},
"output": {
"signedErrorDegrees": 20
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Angles use degrees and a common bearing convention; no compass calibration, observation accuracy or navigational instruction is provided.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use verified charts, observations, vessel documentation and the complete relevant geometric or hydrostatic model for a navigational question. Preserve the local bearing/datum convention and treat scalar factors or sector checks as limited inputs rather than operational decisions.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Navigation Light Relative Sector Membership
Check a bearing against a supplied circular sector and end-inclusion rule.
- Compass Deviation East West Token
Encode an east/west compass-deviation magnitude under a supplied sign convention.