RE: [Paddlewise] GPS Errors Summary

Michael wrote:
>If you want to compare using a GPS to using compass
>bearings on landmarks then you need to use a DGPS.
SNIP
>Try using your compass, thumbs and sticks and string
>to fix your position on a large sheet of ice with no
>identifiable features.

G'Day

Thanks for that Michael. I realised from reading your post: that the error
in "pilotage" would vary enormously depending on amongst other things the
quality of landmark; that it would probably not be possible to have a
general idea of error for pilotage as compared with the range of error you
and Mike Daly were able to describe for celestial navigation.

Three questions if you have time. i) What is GPSD compared with GPS ii) Is
it possible to determine longitude without a time reference (Greenwich)
using celestial navigation. iii) With your measurements on the trimaran is
the sextant gimballed in any way to help with stability or is that a
ludicrous concept?

By the way I still have a problem using the word pilotage or piloting for
finding ones way along the coast in a kayak. My friends in the Australian
Navy tell me its a bit inappropriate considering the sophistication and
skill required to bring a modern large ship into harbour. Is the phrase
"coastal navigation" generally considered an acceptable alternative these
days?

All the best, PeterO
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