Explain the process of "triangulation" in surveying.

Triangulation in surveying is the process used to determine the location of a point by forming triangles. This method involves measuring the angles of a triangle formed by three points, where one point is the location to be determined, and the other two points are known locations. By applying the principles of geometry, particularly the law of sines or cosines, surveyors can compute the unknown distances and positions based on the measured angles from the known points.

This technique is fundamental in surveying as it allows for accurate positioning over long distances without the need to measure those distances directly. Instead, by knowing the length of one side of the triangle and the angles, triangulation can provide precise location coordinates, which are vital for mapping and boundary determination. This accuracy is essential for various applications in construction, land surveying, and geographic information systems (GIS).

In contrast, methods that determine ground slope or measure distances directly do not encompass the triangulation principle, and although mapping terrain may utilize triangulated data, it doesn’t specifically describe the triangulation process itself.