What do the cardinal directions help determine in navigation?

The cardinal directions—north, south, east, and west—are fundamental to navigation as they provide a clear framework for determining orientation and direction. When navigating, understanding where these directions lie in relation to your current position and your destination is crucial for plotting a correct course. For instance, if you are told to travel north, you know to align your path accordingly, effectively guiding you toward your intended target.

Other aspects like distance to the destination, elevation changes, and time zones may involve navigational considerations, but they do not directly relate to the fundamental purpose of cardinal directions, which is to establish where you are and where you need to go in terms of directional travel.