Directional terms: The smaller horizontal angle between the true meridian and a survey line is called what in standard surveying terminology?

Introduction / Context:
Angles used to define direction in surveying include bearing, azimuth, and declination. Using the correct term is crucial when reducing traverse data and converting between grid, true, and magnetic systems.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Angle is measured in the horizontal plane.
• Reference is the true meridian (geodetic north–south line).
• The smaller of the two possible horizontal angles is sought.

Concept / Approach:

The bearing of a line is the smaller horizontal angle between the reference meridian (true or grid, as specified) and the line, usually expressed either as a whole-circle value (0° to 360°) or as a reduced (quadrantal) bearing. Azimuth is commonly the clockwise angle from the meridian, often allowed to be any value 0°–360° (not necessarily the smaller). Declination refers to the angle between magnetic and true meridians, and dip is a vertical angle of the magnetic field—neither is appropriate here.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Text definitions confirm “bearing” as the smaller horizontal angle to the meridian; azimuth may equal the bearing in certain quadrants but is not restricted to the smaller angle by definition.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Declination is magnetic vs. true; azimuth is not inherently the smaller angle; dip is vertical magnetic inclination; convergence is grid–true difference, not asked.

Common Pitfalls:

Using azimuth and bearing interchangeably without regard to quadrant conventions; mixing magnetic vs. true references.

Final Answer:

Bearing