Geometry of Navigation

by Roy Williams

Many problems in navigation which, because of the true shape of the Earth, seemed numerically and algebraically impractical, can now be resolved by computers. Nevertheless, traditional methods provide important back-up, for which geometry is invaluable. This book offers a treatment of the Earth as an ellipsoid of revolution, pictured as a sphere, as has served navigators for centuries and applies to surface navigation and also to the surfaces of planets. It also includes methods for fixing a position by astronomical observation, as well as from the tracking of the angular co-ordinates of an astronomical body.

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998