Position and Direction of the Earth’s Surface

The notions of position and direction (‘where am I and where am I going?’) is fundamental to the concept of all navigation. Being able to determine position and direction allows us to determine where we are, and where other things are. Position and direction can be in both absolute and relative terms, both of which are important in their own rights. This chapter introduces the several ways that position and direction on the Earth’s surface are determined and expressed, including the basics of the main types of compass likely to be encountered at sea.