Which statement best describes a back azimuth?

Which statement best describes a back azimuth?

• A. It is used to re-derive direction from your back bearing.
• B. It is used to measure distance to the back.
• C. It is the opposite of your front bearing.
• D. It is a distance to magnetic north.

Answer: (B)

A back azimuth is the direction directly opposite the one you’re facing. It’s an angular bearing you’d follow to retrace your path or to find the way back to your starting point. You get it by adding 180 degrees to your forward bearing (and wrapping around 360 if needed). Importantly, it’s about direction, not distance or a reference to magnetic north. That’s why the statement describing it as the opposite of your front bearing is the correct way to understand a back azimuth.

A back azimuth is the direction directly opposite the one you’re facing. It’s an angular bearing you’d follow to retrace your path or to find the way back to your starting point. You get it by adding 180 degrees to your forward bearing (and wrapping around 360 if needed). Importantly, it’s about direction, not distance or a reference to magnetic north. That’s why the statement describing it as the opposite of your front bearing is the correct way to understand a back azimuth.