Which method is used to measure distances in triangulation?

Triangulation is a surveying method used to determine distances and positions by creating triangles. The technique relies on the measurement of angles within a triangle and a known baseline distance. By accurately measuring this baseline and the angles from each endpoint of the baseline to a third point, the unknown distances can be calculated using trigonometry.

The baseline serves as one side of the triangle, while the angles allow for the determination of the other sides. This method is highly effective because it leverages the principles of geometry, enabling surveyors to calculate distances even when direct measurement may not be feasible due to obstacles or terrain.

Other methods listed have different applications or do not align specifically with the principles of triangulation. For instance, direct distance measurement refers to measuring the length of a straight line directly, while comparative area measurements focus on calculating area rather than direct distance. Satellite observations, on the other hand, utilize global positioning techniques that do not involve the geometric triangle principle that triangulation is fundamentally based on.