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A sextant is used to calculate the angle of celestial bodies (The sun, certain stars etc) relative to the distant horizon. This combined with an accurate time piece allows the latitude to be calculated mathematically.
If we know that the elevation of the sun is at noon at Greenwich (UST GMT) relative to the horizon, we can measure it at our current location at noon and compare the difference between them against tables which factor in any errors (like height above sea level which changes the horizon distance), to calculate our latitude.
Once this was the only way to determine position at sea (apart from visual references) but in more modern times the seaman has a number of systems available to him such as Decca navigation systems, SimRad which can be used to locate latitude (and longitude) however these days Satellite navigation has made these more primitive systems redundant.
What else can I help you with?
What do you use to determine the exact location on a map?
latitude longitude
How many states do not use any latitude or longitude lines to determine the border?
All 50 states in the United States use some form of latitude and longitude lines to determine their borders.
How can I determine my latitude and longitude?
To determine your latitude and longitude, you can use a GPS device, a smartphone with GPS capabilities, or online mapping tools like Google Maps. These tools use satellites to pinpoint your location on Earth's surface, providing you with your exact latitude and longitude coordinates.
What coordinate system do you use to determine the location of a point on the earths surface?
Longitude and Latitude
How do geographers determine the location place?
The use cardinal and intermediate directions, and longitude and latitude.
How can you determine longitude and latitude yourself?
To determine longitude and latitude yourself, you can use a GPS device or a map with grid lines. Longitude is measured in degrees east or west of the Prime Meridian, while latitude is measured in degrees north or south of the Equator. By using a GPS device or a map, you can pinpoint your location and determine the specific coordinates of longitude and latitude.
How do you use longitude and latitude to determine elevation?
Longitude and latitude provide the geographic coordinates of a location on Earth's surface. To determine elevation, you would need to use a topographic map or digital elevation model that corresponds to the specific latitude and longitude coordinates. Elevation data is typically provided in such maps or models to give the vertical distance of a point above sea level.
Does heat and energy determine latitude?
NO
What is this improved the ability to determine latitude and longitude based on the altitude of stars?
what improved the ability to determine latitude and longitude based on the stars
Why does latitude dictate how high the sun gets in the sky?
Latitude doesn't dictate how high the sun gets in the sky, but it does help us understand position and time. We can use latitude and the suns position to determine not only what day of the year it is, but where we are.
How do you determine latitude in the southern hemisphere?
In the Southern Hemisphere, latitude can be determined using the angle of the sun at solar noon. Alternatively, you can use a GPS device or consult nautical charts that provide latitude information for navigational purposes. Additionally, celestial navigation using stars and other celestial bodies can also be used to determine latitude accurately.
What did Columbus use to help him with directions?
Columbus would have used a mariner's astrolabe to determine his ship's latitude while at sea.
