bearing

The direction of a line stated specifically or generally and is referenced to a meridian or a baseline. When stated specifically, a bearing is an angle within a quadrant (for example, the NE quadrant, SW quadrant) and is never greater than 90 degrees.

Bearing is often confused with azimuth. Azimuth is measured clockwise from 0 to 360 degrees (0 to 400 gons) from true or geodetic north (or true south).

See also azimuth.