Question

Dead reckoning is based on what 6 factors?

Answer 1

Dead reckoning is a navigational process based on six factors: last known position, course, speed, time, wind, and currents or tides. Each factor contributes to the estimation of the current position from a previously determined position, considering the possible uncertainties and probabilities affecting them.

Step-by-step explanation:

Dead reckoning is a navigation technique that estimates a current position based on a previously determined position, or fix, and advances that position based upon known or estimated speeds over elapsed time and course. The six factors generally considered crucial to dead reckoning include:

1. Last known position: The starting point from which you will calculate your new position.
2. Course: The intended path over the ground, typically expressed in degrees from true or magnetic north.
3. Speed: The velocity at which the vehicle is traveling, usually in knots or miles per hour.
4. Time: The duration for which the vehicle has been traveling on the set course at the set speed.
5. Wind: Aerological conditions can impact the course and speed of a vehicle, especially in air or on water.
6. Current or tides: For water navigation, currents or tides can significantly alter the actual path and speed of the vessel. Each factor plays a crucial role in accurately estimating the new position. The probabilities and uncertainties associated with each factor can greatly affect the outcome of dead reckoning. When navigating, adjustments must be made to account for these potential errors.