dead reckoning

noun, Navigation
1.
calculation of one's position on the basis of distance run on various headings since the last precisely observed position, with as accurate allowance as possible being made for wind, currents, compass errors, etc.
2.
one's position as so calculated.
Origin
1605-15

dead-reckon

[ded-rek-uh n] /ˈdɛdˈrɛk ən/
verb (used with object), Navigation
1.
to calculate (one's position) by means of dead reckoning.
Origin
by back formation
Related forms
dead-reckoner, noun
Examples from the web for dead reckoning
  • His dead reckoning with his scope is pretty impressive.
  • The crew had navigated solely on dead reckoning for the past three days because of persistent fog.
  • Most autonomous systems use dead reckoning to track the distance and angles traveled.
  • Navigation was by dead reckoning and solar observations.
  • The actual platform uses dead reckoning and wall locations to identify its location in the characterization area.
British Dictionary definitions for dead reckoning

dead reckoning

noun
1.
a method of establishing one's position using the distance and direction travelled rather than astronomical observations
Word Origin and History for dead reckoning

might be from nautical abbreviation ded. ("deduced") in log books, but it also fits dead (adj.) in the sense of "unrelieved, absolute."

Encyclopedia Article for dead reckoning

determination without the aid of celestial navigation of the position of a ship or aircraft from the record of the courses sailed or flown, the distance made (which can be estimated from velocity), the known starting point, and the known or estimated drift

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