英文摘要 |
This study proposes a simple method for obtaining a celestial fix using a geographic information system (GIS) under the framework of an electronic chart display & information system (ECDIS). The underlying principle is dependent on the most fundamental theory in celestial navigation and the circle of position (COP) of the celestial bodies is plotted to find the fix. Through the spatial data processing, analysis, and visualization capabilities available in GIS, a celestial fix may be obtained directly from plotting on electronic navigation charts. This eliminates the limitations associated with finding the fix manually using a paper nautical chart, but also avoids the cumbersome work and inaccuracy of traditional intercept method (IM), or the complicated, and often obscured, computation involved in numerical methods. The proposed method is simple and accurate, and it applies to situations involving two or more celestial bodies and high-altitude observations. It provides a reference for the development of a celestial positioning module in an ECDIS system, as a backup and position check means for global positioning system (GPS) while ocean passage, and could also be integrated into an educational program on electronic celestial navigation. |