The Use of Horizontal and Vertical Angles in Terrestrial Navigation

Abstract

The methods of determining a ship’s position in terrestrial navigation by using vertical and horizontal angles are nowadays rarely used. The reason is the relative complexity of the procedure and the lack of accuracy of some methods. Different methods of using horizontal and vertical angles to obtain the line of position (LOP) will be presented in this paper, as well as the occurring errors and recommendations for use. In this paper, the sextant will be considered a basic instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles. The sextant allows a very precise measuring of angles from which very accurate lines of position can be obtained.