Hostname: page-component-76fb5796d-wq484 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-27T16:32:16.420Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

The Vector Function for Distance Travelled in Great Circle Navigation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 December 2006

Wei-Kuo Tseng
Affiliation:
(China College of Marine Technology and Commerce and National Taiwan Ocean University)
Hsuan-Shih Lee
Affiliation:
(National Taiwan Ocean University) (Email: wilco0917@yahoo.com.tw)

Abstract

Traditionally, on a great circle, the latitude or longitude of a waypoint is found by inspection. In this paper, using an elementary knowledge of vector algebra including linear combination of vectors and vector basis, we provide an easy method for finding the equation of a great circle path as a parameterized curve. By use of this vector function of distance travelled, the latitude and longitude of waypoints can be found based on the distance from departure point along a great circle. The approach is intended to appeal to the navigator who is interested in the mathematics of navigation and who, nowadays, solves his navigation problems with a personal computer.

Type
Forum
Copyright
© 2007 The Royal Institute of Navigation

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)