Celestial Navigation in SH4

[don1reed]

Here's a quick test you can perform:

I've opened and saved a copy of my SH4 SaveData.Map file:


[Mark]
PointsNb=0

[Ruler]
PointsNb=0

[Range]
PointsNb=4
Pt0=-1171460.38,6779873.00,0.00
Pt1=-1164979.36,6980244.54,0.00
Pt2=-436945.69,6721544.00,0.00
Pt3=-795561.72,5853088.20,0.00

[Angle]
PointsNb=0

[Waypoint]
PointsNb=8
Pt0=-1217501.54,6676092.09,-2.35...<----This is my current position

[KGSelector]
PointsNb=0


A quick check to determine my REAL Geo Coordinates is to divide each of those two quantities above by 120,000, i.e.,


-1217501.54 / 120000 = -10.1458
6676092.09 / 120000 = 55.6341 or,

L55°38.0'N, λ10°08.7'W <-----This is my REAL (Lat-Long) position in the game.

So, one can easily compare the coordinates of what one obtains via Sight Reduction (PSN) and where the cpu really has you. Just Zoom in on the F5 Chart screen in the game to where you can easily see one degree Lat/Long, hold down the CNTL key while right clicking your mouse.

If you're between 5 and 10 nautical miles off, not to worry, you can see that far from the bridge (scope up). Any more than 10 nm, I'd redo the sight, check your time piece or GMT convertion, or redo your math.
If the Altitude of Diamondhead at Waikiki is 761 ft. and the height of your eye on the bridge of your sub is 20 ft., you should be able to see the top of Diamondhead when you're about 32 nm radius away. So, it all depends on what your landfall is supposed to be that determines how accurate you need to be. Do you have to find a downed pilot in a fog? Then you damned well better measure twice before cutting once.

Cheers,