Revitalizing Astronomical Azimuth Determination: Integrating Modern Computing with Traditional Techniques

It is not widely recognized today that astronomical methods for azimuth determination continue to rank among the most accurate techniques for establishing orientation. However, their importance has diminished with the rise of GNSS techniques, which do not require clear skies and work in various weather conditions. Unlike GNSSs, astronomical methods rely on clear visibility and involve calculations based on spherical trigonometry. This work aims to simplify these calculations by providing open-source Python scripts that automate the process. These scripts also simulate the achievable precision, allowing users to plan optimal observations in advance. One of the aims of this work is to demonstrate that, in certain cases, the integration of ‘contemporary’ tools with techniques now regarded as ‘outdated’ can produce very accurate results. Beyond their purely historical significance, which has profoundly influenced modern surveying methods, the integration of astronomical measurements with modern computing codes allows surveyors to achieve azimuths with an accuracy of ±1–2 arcseconds.