Bearings are tools used for measuring directions relative to the North.

Bearings are always measured from the North in a clockwise direction; other than that, these are just regular angles which you would measure using ordinary techniques. Bearings are always quoted in three digit values for whole numbers (eg. 008 degrees or 078 degrees), and three digit values plus one decimal place (eg 055.5 degrees or 333.3 degrees) for non-exact angles being rounded off to 1 decimal place.

When we say bearing of Q from P (note the term FROM P), we consider the line PQ and take the north at P and measure the angle from this north in a clockwise manner until this angle touches line PQ. This is the angle that we are looking for. Remember to always express the bearing in three digit values.

When we say bearing of P from Q, on the other hand, we consider the line PQ and take the north at Q (this time it's from Q) and measure the angle from this north in a clockwise manner until this angle touches line PQ. This is the angle that we are looking for. Again, remember to always express the bearing in three digit values.

Note that the bearing of Q from P is not the same value as the bearing of P from Q; however, these values differ by 180 degrees.