In field observation reporting, which data field captures the distance and direction (or azimuth) from a known point?

• A. 6-8 digit grid or reference point
• B. Time
• C. Distance and direction (or azimuth) from known point
• D. Location

Answer: (C)

The field that records distance and direction from a known point is what ties the observation to a specific location relative to that reference. It stores how far away the feature is and the azimuth, or bearing, from the known point to the feature. The azimuth is usually measured clockwise from north, giving a precise direction, while the distance gives the straight-line separation. Together, they let you reproduce the position by starting at the known point and tracing the measured distance along the given bearing. This is different from absolute location fields like a grid reference, which fixes a position on a map, or a time field, which logs when the observation occurred.