Final answer:
Triangulation is a mapping method that measures the distance to inaccessible objects using a triangle formed by angles from two vantage points, employing trigonometric identities and the Pythagorean theorem for calculations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The method described in the question, which uses one object as an anchor for all measurement in mapping, is called triangulation. In triangulation, distances to inaccessible objects are measured by obtaining angles from two different vantage points. This process involves the creation of a triangle where the two angles and the baseline between the vantage points are known, allowing the distance to the object to be calculated using trigonometric identities and the Pythagorean theorem. The analytical method mentioned in the references is known to be more accurate than the graphical method because it is not limited by drawing precision. Triangulation is a fundamental aspect of topographic mapping and is not only used on Earth but also in spatial applications, such as measuring distances between celestial bodies.