It is popularly used in sociology. "The concept of triangulation is borrowed from navigational and land surveying techniques that determine a single point in space with the convergence of measurements taken from two other distinct points."

Who invented triangulation?

The modern systematic use of triangulation networks stems from the work of the Dutch mathematician Willebrord Snell, who in 1615 surveyed the distance from Alkmaar to Breda, approximately 72 miles (116 kilometres), using a chain of quadrangles containing 33 triangles in all.

What is a triangulation in history?

By The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica | View Edit History. Triangulation, in navigation, surveying, and civil engineering, a technique for precise determination of a ship's or aircraft's position, and the direction of roads, tunnels, or other structures under construction.