Course or heading (the direction a ship, plane, etc. is steering). Also used figuratively for the direction of one's life or plans.
暗礁を避けるために針路を少し変えた。
We changed course slightly to avoid the reef.
大学を卒業してから自分の針路を考え始めた。
After graduating from university, I began to think about my direction in life.
航海士が正確に針路を測った。
The navigator measured the course accurately.