Question

In Ocean navigation which is easier to calculate, latitude or longitude?

Answer 1

Calculating latitude is generally easier in ocean navigation as latitude lines are equidistant from each other and parallel to the equator. Determining longitude is more complex as longitude lines converge at the poles and vary in distance from each other, requiring accurate timekeeping and advanced technology.

Answer 2

Latitude is easier to calculate in ocean navigation, as it involves measuring the angle between the noontime Sun and the horizon using instruments like the cross-staff or sextant. Longitude, on the other hand, is more challenging and requires an accurate clock set to Greenwich time.

Step-by-step explanation:

The easier calculation in ocean navigation is latitude. This is because measuring latitude involves determining the angle between the noontime Sun and the horizon, which can be done using instruments like the cross-staff or a sextant. Navigation tables and formulas can also assist in accurately determining latitude. On the other hand, calculating longitude is more challenging, as it requires an accurate clock set to Greenwich time to determine the time difference between the ship's location and Greenwich, England. The measurement of longitude was particularly important during the age of exploration in the 1700s when accurate maps and charts were crucial for navigation.