OPTIMAL ESTIMATION OF A MULTI-STAR FIX

Astro-fixes have the advantages of being extremely cheap. However, the tedious work connected to the computation of altitudes and azimuths and the plotting of the position lines, has been a severe objection to this position fixing method. Moreover, the comparatively long time, needed to carry out these manipulations without the aid of a computer, is a severe potential disadvantage, especially for modern, fast going container carriers. Using a small, i.e. pocket size transistorized computer, the computing objections can be practically overruled. It is the object of this paper to present a uniform procedure to take over the plotting-and- position-estimating-part of the job. The procedure is fully explained, in order to prevent it from being seen by the navigating ship's officers as "another black magic box." In addition to that, the observer's skill in estimating standard deviations can be used as a highly valuable input.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/2083741
• Corporate Authors:

  Institute of Navigation

  815 14th Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20005
• Authors:
  • DeWit, C
• Publication Date: 1974-12

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 320-325
• Serial:
  • Navigation: journal of the Institute of Navigation
  • Volume: 21
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Institute of Navigation
  • ISSN: 0028-1522
  • Serial URL: http://www.ion.org/newsletter/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Celestial navigation; Navigation computers; Navigation processes; Position fixing
• Old TRIS Terms: Navigation procedures; Position finding
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Operations and Traffic Management;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00084624
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Institute of Navigation
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 7 1975 12:00AM