A position line is a line that can be identified both on a nautical chart or aeronautical chart and by observation out on the surface of the earth. The intersection of two position lines is a fix that is used in position fixing to identify the navigator's location.
There are several types of position line:
- Compass bearing - the angle between north and the line passing through the compass and the point of interest
- Transit - a line passing through the observer and two other reference points
- Leading line - the line passing through two marks indicating a safe channel
- Leading lights - the line passing through two beacons indicating a safe channel
- Sector lights – the lines created by masked coloured lights that indicate a safe channel
Famous quotes containing the words position and/or line:
“One reason—perhaps the chief—of the virility of the Roosevelts is [their] very democratic spirit. They have never felt that because they were born in a good position they could put their hands in their pockets and succeed. They have felt, rather, that being born in a good position, there is no excuse for them if they did not do their duty by the community.”
—Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945)
“The line of separation was very distinct, and the Indian immediately remarked, “I guess you and I go there,—I guess there’s room for my canoe there.” This was his common expression instead of saying “we.” He never addressed us by our names, though curious to know how they were spelled and what they meant, while we called him Polis. He had already guessed very accurately at our ages, and said that he was forty-eight.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)