INTEGRATION OF TRANSIT, OMEGA AND LORAN-C FOR MARINE NAVIGATION

G. F. Sage and J. D. Luse

Peer Reviewed

Abstract: Is marine navigation changing from an art requiring great skill and experience into a science, i.e. a system based solely on scientific principles? Obviously it is. However, the art of navigation is and probably will remain important to the safe, efficient guidance of all vessels. As stated in the preface of The American Practical Navigator, “...the aids provided by science can be used effectively to improve the art of navigation only if a well-informed person of mature judgement and experience is on hand to interpret information as it becomes available.” The pure “art” of navigation is exemplified by the Polynesian Aborigine navigators who traversed thousands of miles across the southwest Pacific without even a compass.” They used visual observation of the sun and stars to steer their outrigger canoes. Landfall courses were determined by observing clouds, birds and sea conditions. The art was passed from master to apprentice. This pure art was effective but was not always efficient.
Published in: NAVIGATION: Journal of the Institute of Navigation, Volume 30, Number 1
Pages: 22 - 33
Cite this article: Sage, G. F., Luse, J. D., "INTEGRATION OF TRANSIT, OMEGA AND LORAN-C FOR MARINE NAVIGATION", NAVIGATION: Journal of The Institute of Navigation, Vol. 30, No. 1, Spring 1983, pp. 22-33.
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