Celestial Navigation

[fly999]

HI Guys,

Reading up on Vanjasts real nav mod has really sparked my interest in "Celestial Navigation".

Does anyone know of a PC software programme that both teaches and allows you to practice said navigation on your pc,

I dont have access to boats or open water so am looking for a "virtual" way to "practice" the above.

Anyone in the know got any ideas ?

Cheers.

[vanjast]

I am work now, I'll send you some stuff/links in ~8 hours.

:up:
Van-o

[alamwuhk2a]

May I have another copy too? I am also very interested in this. Good old days:up:

[vanjast]

Celestial and planetary data (free software)
http://www.alcyone.de/PVis/english/index.html - check the menu download sections on the left.

Suntimes (free software)
http://www.fv01.dial.pipex.com/world.htm?suntimes.shtml

Skymap demo
http://www.skymap.com

Navigator Software - (Bought this nice piece of software and is very adaptable)
http://www.tecepe.com.br/nav

These sites have links to other stuff which can lead you to other good stuff.

:up:

[fly999]

Vanjast,

Many thanks for the links.

I looked at "Navigator" some time ago, but dont you need to be out at sea or at least near the coast to actualy practice what you learn?

What i'm looking for is a programme that both teaches and then lets you pratice what you've learnt at home on a PC.

Having said that $35 for the above is a good price .

Is "Navigator" a good software teacher ?

Thanks again.

[vanjast]

I've spent months looking for something like this on the net and only found links to amazons and dozens of books.

The problem here is the contents of these books, you just don't know until you get it. So what I did was read a gazillion web pages and links and looked at a lot of 'demos'.

When I came across the Navigator demo it looked to be the best bang-for-buck, but it assumes you already know a bit about navigation. at that stage I knew less than nothing, but knew what I wanted to know (hang on let me refill my wine glass - before I do a rumsfeld on you). I played with it for hours and slowly worked out the story. the easiest item is the 'starfinder'.

Your question about software teaching you - no idea but there is so much stuff in there I'm sure you can work it out. I've still have a lot to go through and have learn't a lot in the process.

more later
:up:

[fly999]

Searching on google I came across a software programme that teaches cel nav,
its by "Starpath".
If you try to buy from their site its over $240 , but from other sites you can buy the CD only, for about $119 . still expesive but i am tempted.

If there was a way to make this work in SH3, as in real world cel nav procedures ,then I would not even hesitate to buy it !

Somone with a lot of know how could come up with a programme that would simulate celestial navigation all over the virtual world. Allowing students to practice the procedures in comfort .
From what I understand taking a star shot at sea can be very difficult and would be hard to simulate.
But procedural trainers are very popular.

Im sure it would sell. problem is would it sell enough to make the effort of creating it worthwhile !

PS thats not a hint to you ! ! but maybe we could interest ubisoft in the idea.
Do you think they would go for it ?