What does the term 'departure' (Dep) describe in surveying?

The term 'departure' refers specifically to the east/west rectangular component of a survey line. In surveying, when working with the rectangular coordinate system, a line can be broken down into its north/south and east/west components. Departure is a measure of how far east or west a line extends from a reference point, allowing surveyors to calculate distances and areas more accurately. This component is crucial for determining the precise location and orientation of features on a map or a surveying plot.

Other terms in surveying cover different concepts. For instance, the north/south component is described as 'latitude,' and the total length of a survey line is simply referred to as the 'length' of that line. Additionally, the curve of a survey line relates to the term 'curve' or 'arc,' which describes the bending nature of a line rather than its directional components. Understanding these distinctions helps surveyors ensure accuracy in their measurements and calculations.