Navigation Methods

Study Notes

Navigation refers to the process of planning, recording, and controlling the movement of a person, vehicle, or object from one place to another.

Pilotage: navigating by using visual references such as landmarks, beacons, and charts.
Dead reckoning: navigating by tracking speed, direction, and time traveled from a known location.
Celestial navigation: navigating using astronomical objects such as the sun, moon, and stars.
Radio navigation: navigating using radio signals from beacons or satellites.
GPS (Global Positioning System): navigating using a network of satellites orbiting the Earth.

Maps: visual representations of an area, showing features such as roads, landmarks, and boundaries.
Charts: specialized maps for navigation, often showing waterways, coastlines, and hazards.
Compasses: instruments that indicate direction, using a magnetized needle that aligns with the Earth's magnetic field.
GPS receivers: devices that receive GPS satellite signals, providing location and direction information.
** Sextants**: instruments used to measure the angle between the sun, moon, or stars and the horizon, for celestial navigation.

Route planning: determining the most efficient and safe route between two points.
Waypoint navigation: using GPS or other means to navigate to a specific point or series of points.
Course correction: adjusting direction to stay on course, taking into account factors such as wind, currents, or other external influences.
Position fixing: determining one's current location, using various navigation tools and techniques.

Navigation is the process of planning, recording, and controlling movement from one place to another.

Pilotage: uses visual references like landmarks, beacons, and charts for navigation.
Dead reckoning: tracks speed, direction, and time traveled from a known location.
Celestial navigation: uses astronomical objects like the sun, moon, and stars for navigation.
Radio navigation: uses radio signals from beacons or satellites.
GPS (Global Positioning System): uses a network of satellites orbiting the Earth.

Maps: visual representations of an area showing features like roads, landmarks, and boundaries.
Charts: specialized maps for navigation, often showing waterways, coastlines, and hazards.
Compasses: instruments indicating direction using a magnetized needle that aligns with the Earth's magnetic field.
GPS receivers: devices receiving GPS satellite signals, providing location and direction information.
Sextants: instruments measuring the angle between the sun, moon, or stars and the horizon for celestial navigation.

Route planning: determines the most efficient and safe route between two points.
Waypoint navigation: uses GPS or other means to navigate to a specific point or series of points.
Course correction: adjusts direction to stay on course, considering factors like wind, currents, or other external influences.
Position fixing: determines one's current location using various navigation tools and techniques.