A Novel Approach to Great Circle Sailings: The Great Circle Equation
Journal
Journal of Navigation
Journal Volume
57
Journal Issue
2
Pages
320-325
Date Issued
2004
Author(s)
Abstract
In this paper, a novel approach using a Great Circle Equation (GCE) formulated by vector algebra is proposed to solve the problems of Great Circle Sailings (GCS). It is found that Great Circle Equation Method (GCEM) can calculate the latitude and longitude of the waypoints more effectively than conventional approaches. The methods of solving the waypoints of GCS are discussed and a technique using minimum error propagation in every step of the calculating procedure is suggested. Comparisons of the GCEM and the conventional computation approach are also conducted for further validation. Numerical results show that the GCEM is simpler and can solve the problems directly without requiring judgments from the solver. © 2004, The Royal Institute of Navigation. All rights reserved.
Type
journal article