Regarding three LOPs, which statement is false?

• A. Not recommended
• B. They are always superior to two LOPs
• C. They can provide more precision
• D. They require careful plotting

Answer: (A)

Using multiple lines of position helps you cross-check observations and tighten your estimate. With three LOPs, you have an extra independent line to compare against the other two, so you can see whether the observations agree and you can refine the fix by finding the best point that fits all three lines. This redundancy also helps catch a misread bearing or measurement error in one observation, since the two other lines should still line up near the same location.

That’s why the statement asserting that three LOPs are not recommended is not correct. Three LOPs are routinely used to improve accuracy and to provide a consistency check. The other points are true: three LOPs can yield greater precision, and plotting three lines requires careful work to ensure the lines are drawn accurately and the resulting fix is interpreted correctly. Just remember that the benefit depends on the quality of the observations; an erroneous third line can mislead if not evaluated properly.