Which statement about Lines Of Position is true?

• A. They are always straight lines
• B. They can be straight or circular
• C. They are always curved lines
• D. They never intersect

Answer: (B)

A Line of Position is the locus of all places where you could be given a single observation. When you measure a bearing to a known landmark, the set of observer positions that would see that landmark on the same bearing forms a straight line on the chart. If you determine altitude to a celestial body, the points at the same altitude lie along a circle (or arc) of position around the body's subpoint, so the LOP appears as a circular path on the chart. Because lines of position can arise from different kinds of observations, they can be straight or circular. When you take a second independent observation, the LOPs typically intersect to pinpoint your position.