Basic navigation system

- Navigation is the determination of the position and velocity of the mass center of a moving
vehicle.
- Air navigation, the methods of directing the flight of an airplane towards its destination, has
evolved into a mature science over the last century. In the early days of aviation, the pilot
visually recognized landmarks on the ground and directed the airplane from one landmark
to another until he reached his destination.
- Accurate knowledge of the aircraft’s position in terms of its latitude/longitude coordinates,
ground speed and track angle, height and vertical velocity is also equally essential for the
navigation of the aircraft.
- Navigation thus involves both control of the aircraft’s flight path and the guidance for its
mission.
- A navigation system is a (usually electronic) system that aids in navigation. Navigation
systems may be entirely on board a vehicle or vessel (on the ships) bridge, or they may be
located elsewhere and communicate via radio or other signals with a vehicle or vessel, or
they may use a combination of these methods.