Definition
To determine a position by measuring distances or bearings from three known reference points and finding where those measurements intersect. In GPS, the receiver triangulates its position by measuring the distance to three or more satellites whose locations are precisely known.
Plain English
Working out where you are by measuring how far you are from three known points and finding the one spot where all three measurements meet.
Context Anchor
Seen in GPS and navigation discussions when explaining how an aircraft’s position is found from signals tied to known satellite locations.
Derivation
From the Latin 'triangulum,' meaning 'triangle.' The word reflects the geometric idea that three reference points form a triangle, and a position can be pinpointed where the three distance measurements cross.
Why Pilots Care
Provides reliable position information in instrument conditions when visual references are unavailable, supporting safe navigation and situational awareness.
Grounding Statement
Picture the aircraft GPS comparing signals from satellites in different parts of the sky until only one position fits those measurements.
Intuition Check
Triangulate does not always mean a pilot is literally drawing a triangle. In this GPS context, it means finding position by comparing measurements from several known satellites or reference points.
Example Sentence 1
The GPS receiver triangulates the aircraft's position using signals from at least four satellites.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot cross-checked the GPS fix by using two VORs to triangulate the same location on the sectional chart.