Using Electronic Maps In Marine Navigation

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What are electronic maps and how do they help in marine navigation? Marine navigation has been using a lot of different ways and means, including the sextants and celestial navigations of the olden times, as well as the more secure yet dangerous ones like dead reckoning and piloting. The old maps used in vessels before were often very complicated and sometimes made navigation more difficult instead of meeting the purpose of easier navigation. But with the discovery of radio frequencies and electronic equipment came the invention and development of more secure and accurate navigation systems. All the more with the invention of satellites, marine navigation has never been the same.

There are basically three types of electronic map navigation systems that are being used: Radio navigation, radar navigation, and satellite navigation. Radio navigation uses radio frequencies to tell direction and location. This is an old method and was commonly used during the 1930s and 1940s, but some ships still use this today. It uses a directional antenna that rotates and listens for radio signals from designated radio beacons. These beacons emit very strong radio signals and are often the model by which modern telecommunications systems work.

Another type of electronic map that marine navigation uses is the radar. This device is installed to the vessel, and looks like a circle with a rotating line, usually color green. It uses radar waves and the data collected appears on the circle screen as either blips or dots on a surface map. This type of navigating system was developed after the radio navigation and was created when radar waves were discovered. It uses many techniques, but their main goal is to allow the user to take distances and angular bearings to establish position on an electronic chart. The radar fix can be set to include different ranges depending on the vessel’s needs and technology.

The most modern type of electronic mapping used in marine vessels today is satellite navigation. For global coverage, vessels usually utilize what is known as GNSS or Global Navigation Satellite System for very accurate data on their position and location – down to the very last longitude, latitude, and altitude. Satellite receivers on the vessel send electronic signals to satellites and these signal are then returned to the receivers to provide the data needed. Computers on board then interpret these signals and show the vessels the exact location, allowing the user to predestine its intended course to the destination. These data can then be saved to microchips on the vessel and can be set to activate for the succeeding trips, allowing the vessel to travel on “auto-pilot”.

 

 

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