Why whole-circle bearing (WCB) is preferred over quadrantal bearing (QB) in practice? Choose the most compelling advantage that makes computations simpler.

Introduction / Context:Bearings can be recorded either as whole-circle bearings (0°–360° from north) or as quadrantal bearings (N/S, angle, E/W). Computational convenience often dictates the preferred system for traverse reductions and coordinate computations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Need to compute latitudes and departures via sin and cos of a direction angle.
• Desire to minimize sign errors and quadrant confusion.
• Declination corrections are handled separately.

Concept / Approach:

With WCB, each direction is a single angle from 0° to 360°. Trigonometric functions and signs of the components are handled automatically by the angle's quadrant when using standard calculators/tables. Quadrantal bearings need explicit quadrant labeling (N/S ... E/W) and careful sign assignment for eastings and northings, inviting mistakes.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Traverse software and tables typically accept azimuth/WCB inputs directly, reducing operator intervention and errors.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A and B are vague or not decisive; C highlights an issue but WCB’s key practical advantage is computational simplicity with trig functions; E is false because WCB and azimuth are essentially the same reference system.

Common Pitfalls:

Mixing magnetic, grid, and true bearings; forgetting to apply convergence or declination when converting to/from WCB.

Final Answer:

Because its trigonometric values can be directly extracted from ordinary tables without quadrant interpretation