What term refers to the direction on a compass?

The term that refers to the direction on a compass is known as "azimuth." In navigation and cartography, azimuth is a measurement in degrees that describes the angle of a point relative to the true north. Typically, this angle is measured clockwise from the north, allowing for precise directional guidance.

Understanding azimuth is crucial in solar energy applications, especially when positioning solar panels for optimal exposure to sunlight. By determining the azimuth angle, one can identify the best orientation for a solar array to maximize its efficiency throughout the day.

The other terms—elevation, latitude, and longitude—have distinct meanings. Elevation refers to the height above a certain level, usually sea level, while latitude and longitude are used to specify geographic locations on Earth, with latitude measuring the distance north or south of the equator and longitude measuring the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian. These terms do not pertain directly to compass directions as azimuth does.