Which term names the four principal compass directions?

Which term names the four principal compass directions?

• A. Cardinal Directions
• B. Primary Directions
• C. Global Directions
• D. Local Directions

Answer: (A)

Cardinal directions are the four principal compass bearings—north, south, east, and west. They provide the basic framework for orientation in geography and navigation, helping describe where places are relative to one another. This term is used because these four directions form the essential reference system on maps and with compasses, from which other, intermediate directions (like northeast or southwest) are formed. So the label “cardinal directions” uniquely identifies the standard set of four main directions.

Cardinal directions are the four principal compass bearings—north, south, east, and west. They provide the basic framework for orientation in geography and navigation, helping describe where places are relative to one another. This term is used because these four directions form the essential reference system on maps and with compasses, from which other, intermediate directions (like northeast or southwest) are formed. So the label “cardinal directions” uniquely identifies the standard set of four main directions.