Triangulation

[traɪæŋɡjʊ'leɪʃn] or [traɪ,æŋɡju'leʃən]

Definition

(noun.) a method of surveying; the area is divided into triangles and the length of one side and its angles with the other two are measured, then the lengths of the other sides can be calculated.

(noun.) a trigonometric method of determining the position of a fixed point from the angles to it from two fixed points a known distance apart; useful in navigation.

Edited by Colin--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) The series or network of triangles into which the face of a country, or any portion of it, is divided in a trigonometrical survey; the operation of measuring the elements necessary to determine the triangles into which the country to be surveyed is supposed to be divided, and thus to fix the positions and distances of the several points connected by them.

Edited by Karl