CARDINAL Points, in Cosmography, are the four intersections of the horizon with the meridian, and the prime vertical circle. Of these, two, viz. the intersections of the horizon and meridian, are called North and South, with regard to the poles they are directed to. The other two, viz. the intersections of the horizon and first vertical, are called East and West.
The cardinal points, therefore, coincide with the four cardinal regions of the heavens; and are 90° distant from each other. The intermediate points are called collateral points.