What is the non-technical term for the horizontal angle from the centerline of a water tower to the centerline of the roadway?

The term that best describes the horizontal angle from the centerline of a water tower to the centerline of the roadway is bearing. In surveying and civil engineering contexts, bearing is the direction or angle of a line relative to a reference direction, typically indicated in degrees. It helps in determining the alignment of structures or elements in relation to one another, making it crucial for planning and positioning in projects.

Using bearing simplifies the understanding of orientation without delving deeply into technical terms, making it accessible for discussions among construction teams and stakeholders who may not have a technical background. This clarification allows for clear communication regarding position and alignment, further aiding in the execution of various excavation and grading tasks.

The other options represent related concepts but do not fit as non-technical terms in this specific context. Horizontal alignment typically refers to the path or layout of a roadway itself, azimuth is a more specialized term for the angle measured from a specific reference direction, often north, and offset usually pertains to a lateral distance from a reference point. These are more technical terms that may not resonate equally with all audiences.