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brief history of navigational improvements based on technology
'''Navigation''' is the theory and practice of navigating: plotting, ascertaining, and charting the course of a [[ship]] or aircraft. From the [[Latin]] root "navigationem" meaning "to sail, sail over, go by sea, steer a ship."
'''Navigation''' is the theory and practice of navigating: plotting, ascertaining, and charting the course of a [[ship]] or aircraft. From the [[Latin]] root "navigationem" meaning "to sail, sail over, go by sea, steer a ship."
Ocean-going navigation was difficult before the invention of the [[compass]], with nearly all navigation taking place within sight of shore. Mariners could use the [[North Star]] on a clear night to get a rough sense of direction.
The invention of the [[sextant]] made it possible to determine [[latitude]] (i.e., distance from the Earth's north pole in degrees), but determination of longitude awaited the invention of an accurate sea-going [[chronometer]].
Modern inventions such as [[LORAN]] and the [[GPS]] make it possible to determine a ship's precise position to within 50 feet.
[[Category:Navigation]]
[[Category:Navigation]]