Applications of Spherical Trigonometry in Marine Navigation
Keywords:
Spherical Trigonometry, Marine Navigation, Nautical Astronomy, great circle sailing, Celestial Navigation, Electronic Navigation SystemsAbstract
This paper explored the applications of spherical trigonometry in modern marine navigation systems. The purpose is to determine the relevance of spherical trigonometry and technology-based marine navigation and to bridge the theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. The study employed the descriptive and qualitative approach in reviewing the real-world applications in the introduction of advanced technological tools in navigation. The result indicated spherical trigonometry in practical celestial navigation, circle sailing, time calculation, and course-plotting. It was also from the review that spherical trigonometry enhances the accuracy of celestial navigation, the efficiency of great circle sailing, and aids the integration of modern technology. It recommends that maritime training institutions ensure trainee navigators receive an adequate theoretical and practical understanding of the principles of spherical trigonometry.
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