An electronic fix is depicted as which shape?

• A. Triangle
• B. Circle
• C. Diamond
• D. Square

Answer: (A)

On navigational charts, the symbol used to show a fix is chosen to reveal how that position was determined. An electronic fix is drawn as a triangle so mariners can instantly tell the position came from electronic navigation sources (like GPS or other receivers) rather than from visual bearings or dead-reckoning. The triangular mark stands out as the indicator that the data source is electronic, which also gives a quick cue about potential accuracy and update frequency. Other shapes exist for different fix sources, but they would not indicate an electronic-derived fix.