What does azimuth measure in terms of direction?

Azimuth specifically measures the angle between a reference direction, usually true north, and a line to a point of interest, expressed in degrees. The measurement is taken in a clockwise direction from North, defining the direction of that point in a horizontal plane. This methodology is crucial in various fields such as navigation, astronomy, and architecture, as it provides a standardized way to communicate direction.

The other options do not accurately describe azimuth. The angle above the horizon, for instance, relates more to elevation rather than directional orientation. The distance from the equator pertains to latitude, which doesn't directly connect to azimuth. Lastly, the angle of elevation describes how high an observer must look above the horizontal plane to see an object, which is distinct from the horizontal direction that azimuth measures.