TLDR: Cardinal directions are the four main compass directions: north, south, east, and west. There are also four intercardinal directions: northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest. These directions help us navigate and understand our surroundings.

Cardinal directions are the four main compass directions: north, south, east, and west. They are commonly denoted by their initials N, S, E, and W. Relative to north, the directions east, south, and west are at 90-degree intervals in the clockwise direction.

Intercardinal directions, also known as ordinal directions, are the four intermediate compass directions located halfway between each pair of cardinal directions. They are northeast (NE), southeast (SE), southwest (SW), and northwest (NW). These directions help us navigate more precisely.

Points between the cardinal and intercardinal directions form the points of the compass. These points can be indicated by their azimuth angle value, which is a measure of rotation in degrees.

Determining cardinal directions can be done using a compass, but there are also indirect methods based on the sun's path, the stars, and satellite navigation. These methods help us determine direction when navigating or wayfinding.

In addition to navigation, cardinal directions have cultural and symbolic meanings in different parts of the world. For example, some cultures associate specific winds with cardinal and intercardinal directions. In traditional Chinese culture, each direction is associated with a color and a mythological creature. In Hinduism, there are ten deities known as the "Dikpālas" that symbolize the cardinal and intercardinal directions.

Overall, cardinal directions are important for navigation, understanding our surroundings, and have cultural significance in different parts of the world.