Bearings in construction are commonly expressed in which units?

Bearings in construction are typically expressed in three units: degrees, minutes, and seconds. This system allows for a more precise representation of angles, as it divides the circle into 360 degrees, with each degree further divided into 60 minutes, and each minute into 60 seconds. Using this format is especially useful for surveying and navigation because it provides the necessary accuracy for determining direction and making measurements for construction projects.

While degrees alone can express an angle, they lack the granularity provided by the division into minutes and seconds. Radians, on the other hand, are mainly used in mathematical contexts and are not commonly employed in construction settings for bearings. Decimal degrees can also represent angles but are less conventional in many surveying practices when compared to the degrees, minutes, and seconds format. Thus, the comprehensive nature of degrees, minutes, and seconds makes it the standard choice for expressing bearings in construction.