1. ABSOLUTE NAVIGATION SYSTEMS Definition: An absolute navigation system provides vehicle position referred to a general coordinate system. e.g. - Latitude/Longitude - local Cartesian

2. ABSOLUTE NAVIGATION SYSTEMS Waypoints The straight segments of a route are usually called “legs” In relative navigation the endpoints of legs are defined by a facility (VOR, NDB, TACAN) In absolute navigation there are no such facilities and so legs are defined by “waypoints” A waypoint is simply an imaginary point in space defined in the coordinate system being used Can be 2 or 3-dimensional)

3. ABSOLUTE NAVIGATION SYSTEMS Special Requirements for Absolute Navigation 1.Accurate survey of ground stations (if used, e.g. LORAN C) 2.Accurate survey of Airway waypoints 3.Accurate data base of airway waypoints, facility locations Size of data base depends on area of operation - updated every 28 days Good Configuration Control is Mandatory Many opportunities for error

4. ABSOLUTE NAVIGATION SYSTEMS Importance of Accurate Data Bases Mount Erebus

5. ABSOLUTE NAVIGATION SYSTEMS Importance of Accurate Data Bases Mount Erebus (Antarctica)

6. ABSOLUTE NAVIGATION SYSTEMS Importance of Accurate Data Bases Mount Erebus (Antarctica)

7. ABSOLUTE NAVIGATION SYSTEMS Advantages Unlimited freedom to define airway structures Fewer ground-base facilities – less cost Greater flexibility for flight-planning but greater complexity for ATC (Air Traffic Control)

8. ABSOLUTE NAVIGATION SYSTEMS Absolute Navigation Systems in Use Today 1.LORAN C 2.INS (Inertial Navigation) 3. GPS (Global Positioning System) 4.Multi-DME,