Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) PracticeTest

Which navigation method combines distance and compass headings to locate a position?

1. Celestial navigation

2. Dead reckoning

3. Piloting

4. Electronic navigation

The correct answer is: Dead reckoning

The method that combines distance and compass headings to locate a position is dead reckoning. This technique involves determining one's current position by starting from a known location and then using navigational calculations based on speed, time, and direction of travel. Essentially, the navigator takes the initial position and applies the distance traveled and the direction (compass heading) to estimate the current position. This is particularly useful in conditions where visual references might be lacking, such as in poor weather or at night. In contrast, celestial navigation relies on the positions of stars and other celestial bodies to find a location, thus it does not utilize compass headings and distance measurements in the same direct manner. Piloting involves using visible landmarks and navigation aids, which may not require the same calculations as dead reckoning. Electronic navigation utilizes technology such as GPS systems, which also do not rely on basic calculations of distance and compass headings in the traditional sense.