Triangulation uses measurements of triangles to determine distances to faraway objects without having to travel to the object. It involves measuring a baseline, determining the angles to an object from both ends of the baseline, drawing a scaled triangle, and measuring the perpendicular line from the baseline to the object to calculate the distance.

1. Measuring Distances in Space
(Triangulation)

2. Triangulation
Triangulation: Using measurements and
scale drawings of triangles to find the
distance to a far object.
Why is this helpful?
For distances far away you can measure
them without going to the object.
Example: measuring the distance across a
river (but ​you don't have to cross the
river).

3. Triangulation
Steps:
1. On a flat area, measure off a baseline and mark off each end.
2. Select an object you can see on the opposite side of the river.
3. At one end of the baseline, use a protractor to determine the angle of ​the
end of the baseline and the object you are looking at.
4. Stand on the other end of the baseline and repeat.
5. Make a scale drawing of the triangle with the baseline and angles.
6. On the drawing, make a perpendicular line from the baseline to the ​tip
(or to the object you were looking at). Measure the line using the ​same
scale you used in the drawing.

4. Triangulation
Let’s Try It!