Thoughts and Questions about the Points of the Compass

[Possum Trot]

Here are some compass points with degree headings:

WSW = 247.5
W = 270
WNW = 292.5
NW = 315
NNW = 337.5
N = 360 or 0

It is my understanding that although "due West" = 270, "west" = the range between 258.76 and 281.25. Likewise WNW = 281.26 to 303.75.

If you're not familiar with this concept look at the graphic here: http://www.ke4nyv.com/navigation.htm

Through numerous threads on S2K and last night in the NHC positions on Jeanne, I have observed forecasters use compass points in a less rigorous manner than I am used too. For example, per NHC data, Jeanne traveled north over a six hour period from 27.1 to 27.4. The NHC repeatedly called this movement NW and NNW. Some S2Kers argued that this was correct. There was at some point a statement by NHC about Jeanne moving at a heading of 280 and they referred to this as NNW.

I'm thinking that during that six hour period of time Jeanne was on a heading of 273, or even 280, Jeanne was still traveling West, by definition.

It seems that for some meteorologists one minute or more north of west can be considered NNW or NW when it confirms one's forecast. Is it customary for meteorlogists to use compass points in a more casual manner than others might use them? Am I somehow completely misunderstanding this issue?

[x-y-no]

Yeah ... I've pointed out in the past that there's a whole set of sixteen more compass points sailors use all the time ... "west by north", "northwest by west" etc.

That would at least add a little more precision.

[kokomo]

They don't use that nwn nonsense stuff in actual science,
you should give the degreed vector.

Example; 270º is west, 45º is northeast.

If you use those nwn, ssw, etc. terms, your going to indicate
your a real weather Gomer rather than an amatuer meteorologist...


<img src=http://www.cloudbait.com/science/compass.gif>

[Pebbles]

Guess I'm a weather gomer LOL ... *giggles* As I definately am NOT a met! But no one can call me that but ME! ya hear?! *tickles*

[HurryKane]

Here's the 16 others

[Pebbles]

WE could always do a NWN by NNW too but that would just be taking it too far! j/k ....that compass is enough to make my eyes cross!