not a gps replacement, but possible redundant system for coastal navigation

[SalientAngle]

This is a most interesting article... still keep your paper charts, tide tables, etc...
http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/onepercent/2012/06/gps-jammed.html

[Captain Smollett]

Interesting idea.

However, once we hone our non-GPS skills (traditional pilotage) to be truly independent of GPS from the get-go, a backup system like this becomes an unnecessary expenditure/complication.

There is no replacement for the Mark-I Eyeball and basic position finding skills.

That is, I personally see this type of technology as only servicing the "I need GPS" mentality.

{preaching to the choir mode off}

;)

[SalientAngle]

yes, you are correct sir, my read on the system was that it integrates with your existing devices...

[s/v Faith]

This is a most interesting article... still keep your paper charts, tide tables, etc...
http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/onepercent/2012/06/gps-jammed.html

Grog for an interesting link.  ;D

I agree with Capt. Smollett, but like the concept for the same reason he said what he did... I do not trust GPS.   I know I am a heretic... but I am telling you I am looking at the emperor and he has no clothes on!

We (collective pleasure boat user 'we') have become so dependent on GPS that anything that gives other options is a good thing in my mind.  The 'skills' become dull with dependance on technology....

... doubt it?  Ok, try this test.   Name your top 10 called friends and relatives...

Now, without looking at your cell phone.... write down their phone numbers.

How did you do?


If you are like most of the population you probably did not do to well.  When I was in grad school I read an article that said that the ability to memorize 7 digit numbers had actually decreased in the general population (from early 70's to late 90's)... please do not ask me for a citation... I chased a lot of rabbits when I was working on my thesis... :)

Anyway, such a device might at least give a couple more options to someone who has either lost the skills or never took the time to develop them in the first place....

[SalientAngle]

This AP story appeared in the local media this a.m.
There is still an appreciation for tactile maps, and National Geographic is doing well... whilst not mentioned, I believe the changing political borders may contribute to that... cheers
http://www.wral.com/news/national_world/national/story/11274720/

[CharlieJ]

Interesting, because I have found a paper map of a state to be highly useful aboard the boat. Had one aboard for most all the states I cruised in.

Occasionally a bit hard to find  though, when you are on the water, instead of in a car.

Just like a bigger chart, it gives you an overall picture you simply cannot get from a GPS or chart plotter, useful as those are.

[SalientAngle]

Here is some more food for thought:
http://tech.slashdot.org/story/12/07/06/014237/ask-dr-ramsey-faragher-about-navigationpositioning-technology?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Slashdot%2Fslashdot+%28Slashdot%29

[Captain Smollett]

I'm truly sorry if this sounds gruff, but all the talk (GPS or otherwise) about finding position within a meter is smoke and mirrors in my opinion.

I can look out the window and know where I am "good enough."

I don't need a Ph.D. in a physical science to navigate a boat (even though I happen to have one). 

Accuracy greater than "Am I hitting something" is academic.  Much of the stuff I need to avoid is moving.  Radar and AIS have more compelling arguments to me than hyperaccurate "positioning."

None of this helps keep my boat from grounding on the bottom - charts are wrong and bottoms shift.  A good sounder is worth FAR more than knowing my lat or long to within 0.03 arc-seconds.

There is theoretical position and there's practical navigation.  I side with Bowditch.

[SalientAngle]

you don't sound gruff at all... just posted for exactly that reason, it is on the "horizon", so to speak