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a gps or compass map and eyes
The first instruments used at sea to measure latitude were the quadrant and the astrolabe, both of which had been used for years by astronomers to measure the inclination of stars.
Sextant.
latitude
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoTwo accurate clocks which show the time at the home port, and the time at the current location.
Many modern ships have electronic navigational tools or global positioning systems. Older tools used include the astrolabe and sextant, both used at noon day to measure latitude.
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoThe modern tool is electronic, a satnav (satellite navigation instrument).
An earlier device used especially on sailing ships was a sextant.
Latitude can be also determined by using the instruments in the following alternative methods:
- a plumb line + a protractor with sight line or sight tube + a watch + sight reduction tables + a calculator, i.e. a combination of instruments.
- radar can be a useful instrument for determining latitude, by giving distance to objects within its range. Latitude can then be estimated by calculation from known latitudes of those objects/places.
- radio navigation instruments (radio direction finders, RDFs) which can determine position (latitude and longitude) from radio waves transmitted from radio direction finding systems.
- By calculation and extrapolation one can also identify one's position by using mathematics and a chart, so rulers and compasses (both types!), and a pencil, are also useful instruments in determining latitude!
See Related links below this box for more information.
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The most common means of determining latitude, in the old days, all involved methods of accurately measuring the altitude of Polaris (the north star)above the northern horizon, since that angle is always within about 1/3 degree of the observer's north latitude. The sextant was invented to do that job. Polaris was always the best reference point, which left southern-hemisphere explorers out in the cold, so to speak.
An individual can buy a GPS receiver that fits in your shirt-pocket and gives your location anywhere on Earth correct to within about 10 feet, for maybe 1/4 the price of a good modern sextant.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoThe measurement of accurate geographic coordinates at a selected location was ...
not all that long ago ... the job of people highly trained and experienced in the art
and science of land surveying, working with the help of large and expensive clocks,
astronomical instruments, and books of astronomical data.
Nowadays, you can read your present latitude and longitude, correct to a few yards,
off of a GPS receiver that you can buy at the bait-and-tackle shop and carry in your
shirt pocket. And if you spend the money for a GOOD GPS and know how to use it,
then you can read off figures that are correct to within a small fraction of an inch,
anywhere on Earth !
It's an amazing time we live in. The tragedy is that hardly anybody realizes it.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoyou should know this stupid little answer too stop asking me questions!
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoLatitude and longitude are not calculated with an instrument. They are measured on a referenced coordinate system, and their value is usually expressed in degrees.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agouse a pak hang bodo!!
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoA sextant
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Can a single satellite be used to calculate latitude and longitude?
You need at least 3 satellites. More is always better.
How latitude and longitude are used to find specific locations on earth?
Latitude and longitude are used to find the degrees horizontally and vertically around the earth, pin-pointing a location.
Are Lines of longitude and latitude are used for locating certain points on the globe?
Yes. The intersection of a line of longitude and a line of latitude is a point on the globe, and that point is identified by the longitude and latitude of those lines.
What is the longitude and latitude of planet Venus'?
Longitude and latitude are coordinates used to describe the location of points on the earth's surface. Since the planet Venus is not located on the earth's surface, its location can't be described by any combination of latitude and longitude.
How do you figure the latitude and longitude of the moon?
The system of latitude and longitude is used to describe the location of points on the surface of the earth. Celestial objects don't have latitude and longitude. There is a similar system defined in the sky. Those coordinates are called Right Ascension and Declination.
What instrument can be used to establish longitude latitude and altitude of the place where you are standing?
GPS
Can a single satellite be used to calculate latitude and longitude?
You need at least 3 satellites. More is always better.
What is a sentence with the word latitude in it?
Latitude and longitude is used on maps.
Why are lines of longitude and latitude important on a map or globe?
Latitude and Longitude are used to point to exactly where you want to be
How do you use longitude and latitude used to identify a location?
what using a longitude and latitude is used to create map showing exact location
How are latitude and longitude used to determine a location?
latitude in Greek means "wide" while longitude means "long"
What is the measurement used for latitude and longitude?
Degrees.
What are longitude an latitude used for?
Absolute location
Parallels are used to measure longitude or latitude?
latitude longitudes are known as meridians
How are latitude and longitude used for?
they are used to tell what your location on the earth is.
How latitude and longitude are used to find specific locations on earth?
Latitude and longitude are used to find the degrees horizontally and vertically around the earth, pin-pointing a location.
Are Lines of longitude and latitude are used for locating certain points on the globe?
Yes. The intersection of a line of longitude and a line of latitude is a point on the globe, and that point is identified by the longitude and latitude of those lines.
