The distance sailed could not be measured directly but it could be calculated by multiplying the ship's speed with the time sailed: This important work in keeping check on course and distance is referred to as dead reckoning.
An estimated position is of course not as reliable as an observed position but it is better than nothing! Then it was possible to draw a line from the observed position in the right direction and distance and obtain an estimated position. Just think if there was dense fog!Īs it was crucial to keep a check on how far one had sailed and in which direction since the last observed position. This gives an observed position, which can be plotted on a chart.īefore the age of electronic navigation, a long time could elapse before it was possible to make an observation. These can be bearings of known places on land, astronomically observations of sun and stars, or – in modern times – a reading from an electronic navigational instrument. When sailing, it is important to know your position at any time.
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