1. What is the Reverse Bearing Formula?

The Reverse Bearing Formula calculates the opposite direction of a given bearing. In navigation and surveying, this is useful for determining the return path or the opposite direction of travel.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Reverse Bearing formula:

Where:

• \( bearing \) — Original bearing in degrees (0-360)
• \( RB \) — Reverse bearing in degrees (0-360)

Explanation: The formula adds 180 degrees to the original bearing and then applies modulo 360 to ensure the result stays within the 0-360 degree range.

3. Importance of Reverse Bearing Calculation

Details: Calculating reverse bearings is essential in navigation, surveying, and various engineering applications where determining the opposite direction is required for return paths or bidirectional measurements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the bearing in degrees (0-360). The calculator will compute the reverse bearing, which will also be in the 0-360 degree range.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a bearing in navigation?
A: A bearing is the direction or position of something, or the direction of movement, expressed as an angle in degrees from north.

Q2: Why use modulo 360 in the formula?
A: Modulo 360 ensures that the result remains within the standard 0-360 degree range for bearings, even when adding 180 degrees would exceed 360.

Q3: Can this calculator be used for compass bearings?
A: Yes, this calculator works for any bearing expressed in degrees from 0-360, including compass bearings.

Q4: What if my bearing is exactly 180 degrees?
A: The reverse bearing of 180 degrees is 0 degrees (or 360 degrees, which is equivalent to 0 degrees).

Q5: Are there different bearing systems?
A: Yes, there are different systems (quadrantal, whole circle), but this calculator uses the whole circle system where bearings are measured clockwise from north (0-360 degrees).