A beacon (light or radio) which, when observed or received by suitable equipment on the craft or vehicle, gives the observer the bearing (usually magnetic) from the beacon; although it operates in a different mode from that of a direction-finding station, the information produced by both types of stations is identical; however, a direction-giving station (which is shore- or ground-based) produces navigational parameters that differ from those of a craft or vehicle-borne direction finder. Also known as directional beacon.