DESIGNATION OF MAGNETIC BEARING

The magnetic bearings are designated in two systems, namely
1. Whole circle bearing (WCB) and
2. Quadrantal bearing (QB)

1. Whole Circle Bearing (WCB)Whole Circle Bearing (WCB) and Quadrantal Bearing (QB):

The magnetic bearing of a line, with respect to the magnetic north measured in clockwise, established by the prismatic compass is known as ‘whole circle bearing of the line. The value of the bearing lies between 0° to 360°

For example, .
WCB of OA= 01
WCB of OB = 02
WCB of OC = 03
WCB of OD =04

2. Quadrantal Bearing (QB) or Reduced Bearing (RB):

The magnetic bearing of a line, with respect to the magnetic north or south, (whichever is nearer to the line) measured in clockwise or anti-clockwise, established by the surveyor’s compass is known as ‘Quadrantal Bearing’ or ‘Reduced Bearing’ of the line. In this system the value of bearing always lies between 0° to 90° only. The bearings are designated by four quadrants, namely, NE, SE, SW and NW

.

For example,
QB of OA = N*alpha*E
QB of OB = S*beta E
QB of OC = S gamma E
QB of OD = N Φ W

CONVERSION OF BEARINGS FROM ONE SYSTEM TO OTHER
The bearings taken in one system may be easily converted into other system, by using the following tables .