Triangulation

In topology, a triangulation of a topological space X is a simplicial complex K, homeomorphic to X, together with a homeomorphism h:K->X. In layman's terms, if X is planar then a triangulation is a way to cut X into a collection of triangles.

Triangulation is useful in determining the properties of a topological space.

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Triangulation is the process of finding a distance by calculating the length of one side of a triangle, given a deterministic combination of angles and sides of the triangle. It uses mathematical identities from trigonometry.

Some identities often used:

• The sum of the angles of a triangle is &pi (180 degrees).
• The law of sines
• The law of cosines
• The Pythagorean theorem

Triangulation is used for many purposes, including surveying, navigation, astrometry, binocular vision and gun direction of weapons.

See: Parallax.