The origins of Trigonomety trace to the cultures of the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians over 3000 years ago. Greek mathematician Hipparchus circa 150 BC compiled a trigonometric table for solving triangles.

Another Greek mathematician, Ptolemy circa 100 AD further developed trigonometric calculations.

There are an enormous number of applications of trigonometry. Of particular value is the technique of triangulation which is used in astronomy to measure the distance to nearby stars, in geography to measure distances between landmarks, and in satellite navigation systems.

Other fields which make use of trigonometry include astronomy (and hence navigation, on the oceans, in aircraft, and in space), music theory, acoustics, optics, analysis of financial markets, electronics, probability theory, statistics, biology, medical imaging (CAT scans and ultrasound), pharmacy, chemistry, number theory (and hence cryptology), seismology, meteorology, oceanography, many physical sciences, land surveying and geodesy, architecture, phonetics, economics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, computer graphics, cartography, crystallography.