2007-12-28 01:13:50 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
As others have mentioned, you can use various high-tech setups like GPS.
It can be instructive to do it from first principles: measure your latitude by sighting on Polaris at night, then measure your longitude by timing local noon and doing some calculations.
Yes, I've done this. I used a portable shortwave radio tuned to WWV for my time reference.
2007-12-28 05:51:52 · answer #1 · answered by laurahal42 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of answers for this.
A hand-held GPS unit is a great way to locate yourself on the earth. Locate yourself within 5 meters. They use satellite signals to calculate your location, and contain maps so you can zoom in and out on the screen and really really locate your position very well. A wonderful toy.
They do not work very well inside buildings, under thick tree cover, or in places where high building walls or steep mountain sides block reception of the signals. Supposedly the newer Garmins (one of the GPS brands) have improved reception that minimizes this problem, but I haven't had the opportunity to try one.
Santa was almost nice enough to put one in my stocking, but I guess I was a bad boy for part of the year so only got lesser toys.
2007-12-28 01:25:43 · answer #2 · answered by busterwasmycat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rulers
Yard Sticks
Tape Measures
Odometers
Laser Range Finders
Optical Range Finders
Compass
Electronic Compass
GPS Receivers
Telescopes (sight nearby landmarks)
Vision (observe nearby landmarks)
Sonar (determine the depth of water and follow depth lines on nautical charts)
Local and Wide Area Maps
Nautical Charts
Aeronautical Charts
Radio Direction Finders
Sound - as in speach and hearing - asking for directions
Memory Function - as in recall of learned routes to and from
Vision - as in ability to read printed travel instructions
Touch/Feel - as in follow along a wall in the dark
Infra Red Detector/Receiver to track sources of heat
2007-12-28 05:45:55 · answer #3 · answered by zahbudar 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maps. astrolabes. compass. sextant. jackstaff, SINS (ships inertial navigation system), LORAN, stopping and asking directions. GPS is only the latest and best.
2007-12-28 01:46:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
GPS?
global positioning system
2007-12-28 01:20:51 · answer #5 · answered by de4dog 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
global positioning system, google earth, tom tom
2007-12-28 01:32:07 · answer #6 · answered by Dr. Metal PHD 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋