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NAVIGATING WITH GPS
COURSE |
Course Description
The objective of this manual/seminar is to enable the operator of a
recreational small craft to navigate safely and efficiently to any
destination, using primarily a GPS receiver and conventional charts. It is
restricted to only the navigational aspects of GPS, and may suggest when
additional skills are required as a backup.To select a route to follow, utilizing a GPS receiver, requires a
knowledge of basic navigation principles. Without such knowledge, the
navigator must place complete reliance and blind trust upon complex
equipment and the ability to use it properly, under all circumstances.When properly installed and operated, modern electronic navigation
systems are generally very reliable. These inexpensive and portable hand
held systems are available to serve as primary, back-up, or lifeboat
navigation systems.Although the controlling authorities go to great lengths to ensure
reliability and accuracy; the signals upon which all such systems depend are
not always available. A more common cause of navigation failure is human
error. Many mistakes are made in entering and in sequencing of data.
Incorrect positions or commands are often inserted and wrong waypoints
selected, sometimes with disastrous results, as the computer does precisely
what it is commanded to do.This course outlines procedures designed to minimize the possibility of
human error in the operation of electronic navigation equipment.The download version of the manual includes the complete text, adds
color to the illustrations and may include some animated sequences. |
Table of Contents
Unit 1 - Electronic Navigation
- Why Electronic Navigation
Unit 2 - Navigation Fundamentals
- Preparation
- The Form of the Earth
- Great Circles (GC)
- Geographical Position
- Latitude
- Longitude
- Datum
- Waypoints
- Distance and Speed
- Courses and Bearings
- Course Made Good (CMG)
- Compass Direction and Deviation
- Maps and Charts
- Charted Navigation Information
- Using Charts to Navigate
- Speed
- Navigating the Planned Route
Unit 3 - Global Positioning System (GPS)
- What Is GPS?
- Features
- Signal Processing
- Dilution of Precision (DOP)
- GPS Accuracy
- Selective Availability (SA)
- Ionosphere Propagation Error
- Datum Errors and Cartography References
- Chart Surveys
- Differential GPS (DGPS)
- Selecting a GPS Receiver
- Intended Application
- Power Consumption
- Multi-channel
- Display Capabilities
- GPS Sensors
Unit 4 - Navigation Techniques
- Waypoint and Route Navigation
- Waypoint and Route Selection
- Chart Plotter Waypoints
- Other Uses for Waypoints
- Keeping Track of Progress
- Alternate Approaches
- Plotting GPS Positions on Paper
Unit 5 - Other Uses for GPS
- Speed Curves
- Speed in River and Tidal Currents
- Sailboat Tacking
- Compass Heading
- Sail Trim
- Replacing Racing Instruments
- Tidal Waters and Leeway
- Leeway Due to Wind and Current
- Wind, Current and Tide Determination
- Use of Velocity Made Good Calculations
Unit 6 - GPS Installation Considerations
- Installation Hints
- Power Source Connection
- Electrical Grounding Considerations
- Antenna Installation
Unit 7 - Performance Evaluation (of GPS Receiver)
- Interference
- Tracking Down Interference Sources
- Special Note for DGPS Users
- Controls and Indicators
- Hand-held Models
- Disadvantages of Some Models
- Electronic Charts
- Operating Manuals
- Soft Keys
- True or Magnetic Heading
- Nautical, Statute Miles or Metric
- Personal Preferences
- Navigation Computers
- Precautions
- Autopilots
- Planning a Trip
Glossary
Bibliography
Appendix A
Appendix B
- The Mercator Chart and Rhumb Lines
Appendix C
- Vessel's Velocity Relative to the Land
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