NavigationDistance

A navigation course can be planned using a map or plan. Using bearings and length this course can be presented in diagram form. Unknown distances can be measured or calculated from the diagram.

Part ofApplications of MathsMeasure

Distance

When navigating you need to use distance as well as direction.

Example

A ship sails from harbour on a bearing of \(165^{\circ}\) for \(7\,km\) and then changes to a bearing of \(043^{\circ}\) to sail for \(4\,km\).

The journey can be shown on a scale diagram.

A reasonable scale for this would be \(1\,cm\) represents \(1\,km\) and you would use a ruler and protractor.

The diagram below is not a scale drawing but is a sketch to show roughly what the scale drawing would look like.

7km line 165 degrees from north line. Second line 4km and 43 degrees from north line leads to boat

On a blank piece of paper you can choose where to put the Harbour.

You also have to make the North lines yourself.