traditional navigation
Celestial-based route finding
Traditional navigation refers to methods of determining position and direction without modern electronic instruments—using stars, sun, wind patterns, ocean swells, and landmarks.
Polynesian wayfinders crossed vast Pacific distances this way, reading subtle environmental cues.
The term often contrasts with GPS-based navigation: He learned traditional navigation before relying on electronics.
- PolarisCelestial north marker
- night skyDarkness above after sunset
- outrigger canoeBoat with external float
- sextantMaritime angular measurement device
- bird behaviorActions typical of fowl
wave patterns · wave · ocean currents · wayfinding · star · ephemeris · dead reckoning · mental map · magnetic compass · Marshall Islands · wind · landmark · Polynesia · tide table · astrolabe · Pacific Ocean · zenith · gyrocompass
traditional navigationGPS navigation
Satellite-based directional system
satellite navigation · satnav · GPS · turn-by-turn navigation · Google Maps