Before GPS: Determining Your Position Using Celestial Measurements: The How and Why of Celestial Navigation - Softcover

Timpe, Roy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1973508648 ISBN 13: 9781973508649

Publisher: Independently published, 2019

Synopsis

As recently as 1995 the author came across a chart (still in use at the time) that differed from the WGS84 datum by about a half mile. The chart was based on a survey from the 19th century. Years ago, celestial measurements were the only way to determine your position at sea or a position far away from any well surveyed benchmark. How was the first benchmark even referenced? The answer is the stars. If a survey had to be made of a remote island or other region where referencing benchmarks was impractical, a surveyor had to consult the stars. In fact, the latitude and longitude from your GPS is based on astronomical measurements. While GPS has supplanted celestial methods in surveying and navigation, an appreciation for celestial sights and methods will help a person appreciate these older charts and surveys. An understanding of the celestial methods will also aid you in understanding how the GPS actually works.

Edition details

• Publisher: Independently published
• Publication date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1973508648
• ISBN 13: 9781973508649
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 54