Cardinal Directions (Points cardinaux) (KAHR-di-nl duh-REK-shuhnz)
The primary compass points: North, South, East, West.
The ancient mariners relied on the cardinal directions for navigation.

Intercardinal Directions (Points intercardinaux) (in-ter-KAHR-di-nl duh-REK-shuhnz)
The directions midway between the cardinal points: Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Northwest.
The wind shifted from the northeast to a more southerly direction.

Bearing (Relèvement) (BAIR-ing)
The direction of one point relative to another, often in degrees.
The ship's bearing was 180 degrees, heading due south.

Trajectory (Trajectoire) (truh-JEK-tuh-ree)
The path followed by a moving object.
The archer calculated the arrow's trajectory carefully.

Orientation (Orientation) (ohr-ee-en-TAY-shuhn)
Awareness of one's location relative to one's surroundings.
Losing one's orientation in a dense forest can be disorienting.

Spatial Awareness (Conscience spatiale) (SPEY-shuhl uh-WAIR-nuhs)
The ability to perceive the relationship of objects in space.
Pilots require excellent spatial awareness to navigate safely.

Wayfinding (Orientation spatiale) (WAYN-fynd-ing)
The process of determining and following a route to a destination.
Effective wayfinding in a complex building is essential for visitors.

Celestial Navigation (Navigation astronomique) (suh-LES-chuhl nav-i-GAY-shuhn)
Using stars and planets to determine one's position.
Before GPS, sailors relied on celestial navigation for long voyages.

Dead Reckoning (Navigation à l'estime) (ded REK-uh-ning)
Calculating position based on speed, time, and course traveled.
In foggy conditions, the captain had to rely on dead reckoning.

Geocaching (Géocaching) (JEE-oh-kash-ing)
A treasure hunt using GPS coordinates.
They spent the weekend geocaching in the local parks.

Perpendicular (Perpendiculaire) (pur-pen-DIK-yuh-ler)
At a right angle to a given line or surface.
The street grid was laid out with perpendicular intersections.

Oblique (Oblique) (uh-BLEEK)
Slanting or inclined; neither parallel nor perpendicular.
The path cut across the hillside at an oblique angle.

Concentric (Concentrique) (kuhn-SEN-trik)
Having a common center.
The ripples in the pond spread out in concentric circles.

Adjacent (Adjacent) (uh-JAY-suhnt)
Next to or adjoining something else.
Our hotel room was adjacent to the elevator.

Proximal (Proximal) (PROK-si-muhl)
Situated nearer to the center or point of attachment.
The proximal end of the bone connects to the shoulder.

Distal (Distal) (DIS-tuhl)
Situated away from the center or point of attachment.
The distal phalanges are the bones at the tips of the fingers.

Ascend (Monter) (uh-SEND)
To go up or climb.
We began to ascend the winding mountain trail.

Descend (Descendre) (di-SEND)
To move or fall downwards.
The hikers carefully descended the steep slope.

Traverse (Traverser) (truh-VERS)
To travel across or through.
The explorers had to traverse the vast desert.

Meander (Sinuoser) (mee-AN-der)
To proceed aimlessly or with little direction.
The river meandered through the valley.

Gnomon (Gnomon) (NOH-mon)
The part of a sundial that casts a shadow.
The shadow of the gnomon indicated that it was noon.

Astrolabe (Astrolabe) (AS-truh-leyb)
A historical instrument used for astronomical measurements and navigation.
Ancient astronomers used the astrolabe to chart the stars.

Sextant (Sextant) (SEK-stuhnt)
A navigational instrument used to measure angles between celestial objects and the horizon.
The captain used the sextant to determine the ship's latitude.

Chronometer (Chronomètre) (kroh-NOM-i-ter)
A highly accurate timekeeping device, crucial for navigation.
A reliable chronometer was essential for accurate longitude calculations.

Cartography (Cartographie) (kahr-TOG-ruh-fee)
The art and science of making maps.
Advances in cartography have led to highly detailed maps.

Topography (Topographie) (tuh-POG-ruh-fee)
The arrangement of physical features of an area.
The map showed the detailed topography of the mountainous region.

Longitude (Longitude) (LON-ji-tood)
The angular distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.
They calculated their longitude based on the time difference.

Latitude (Latitude) (LAT-i-tood)
The angular distance north or south of the Equator.
Knowing the latitude helped them navigate towards the coast.

Compass Rose (Rose des vents) (KUHM-puhs rohz)
A diagram on a map showing directions.
The compass rose on the old map helped orient the reader.

Landmark (Point de repère) (LAND-mahrk)
A recognizable feature used for navigation.
The tall church spire served as a useful landmark.