What is the primary purpose of baselines in surveying?

The primary purpose of baselines in surveying is to provide a known distance for triangulation. In the context of survey work, a baseline is typically a carefully measured straight line between two points. This established distance is crucial in triangulation methods, where the baseline serves as the foundation for calculating the positions of other points by forming triangles. By knowing the length of the baseline and the angles formed between the baseline and other survey lines, surveyors can accurately determine distances and locations of additional points in the area being surveyed.

This method is essential for creating a reliable framework for more complex survey calculations and is foundational in both traditional land surveying and modern geodetic practices. Understanding that the baseline forms the basis for triangulation helps recognize its importance in establishing a precise mathematical model of the surveyed area.