"East by south" is a nautical term indicating a specific bearing or direction that lies between east and southeast on the compass. It signifies a movement or position that is located slightly southward from due east. This term is commonly used in navigation, including maritime and aviation contexts, where precise directional measurements are crucial for plotting courses, determining positions, or describing headings.
In terms of degrees, "east by south" corresponds to a bearing of approximately 101.25°. This means that when facing due east, turning slightly towards the south, approximately 11.25° to be exact, will align one's direction with "east by south." This bearing is represented as a point between the east and southeast quadrants on a compass rose.
The term "east by south" is derived from the intercardinal directions, dividing the cardinal compass points into eight primary divisions. These primary divisions, or intercardinal directions, allow for a finer level of specificity when it comes to describing direction. "East by south" lies between "east-southeast" and "southeast," indicating a directional shift slightly more southward from due east, yet not fully aligned with the southeast.
To conclude, "east by south" serves to precisely convey a bearing that lies between east and southeast, offering navigators and pilots a more detailed understanding of their direction in relation to the cardinal and intercardinal compass points.
