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A Vector Solution for Navigation on a Great Ellipse

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2000

Michael A. Earle
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Abstract

Distance and course to steer along part of a great ellipse can be readily determined with the use of vector analysis and differential geometry. Although the resulting integral for distance is not amenable to direct solution, it can nevertheless be handled efficiently and quickly by available commercial mathematical software. In this paper, a method of computing distance along with course to steer is presented and is one that has been prepared with the syntax of a particular commercial mathematics package in mind. This approach was intended to appeal to the navigator who is interested in the mathematics of navigation, and who nowadays solves his problems with a portable computer.

Keywords

1. Geodesy2. Mathematics3. Computing
Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Navigation , Volume 53 , Issue 3 , September 2000 , pp. 473 - 481
Copyright
© 2000 The Royal Institute of Navigation

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