Define angle of depression.

The angle of depression refers to the angle formed between the horizontal line from an observer's eye level and a downward line of sight to an object below that level. Imagine standing on a cliff and looking down at the beach below; the angle you create with your straight gaze and your line of sight to the sand is the angle of depression. It’s a crucial concept in fields like architecture, aviation, and even amusement park physics! In practical terms, this angle helps in navigating or calculating distances. For instance, if you're using a GPS or laser rangefinder for surveying, understanding the angle of depression can help accurately determine how far away an object is, how high a building is from ground level, or the distance to a boat on the water below you. It’s all about keeping your angles sharp, quite literally!