Dictionary term
Line of Position
Direct answer
Line of Position is a line on which the observer is estimated to lie according to one navigation observation.
Line of Position is a geographic position constraint used in historical astronomy, timekeeping, or navigation.
Line of Position is a geographic position constraint used in historical astronomy, timekeeping, or navigation.
An engraved functional orientation; the page explains the real instrument, method, or publication.Quick reference
- Use when
- Use Line of Position by plotting the line with its timestamp, source, uncertainty, and any motion used to advance it.
- Do not use it for
- A line is not a point, and nearly parallel lines create a weak intersection with large uncertainty.
- Reference category
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Related terms
- Intercept Method, Marcq Saint-Hilaire Method, Celestial Position Fix, Running Fix
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The story behind Line of Position
Position lines became a common language uniting celestial, visual, radio, radar, and other navigation observations.
Line of Position in spiritual tradition
Line of Position rewards careful observation, explicit assumptions, and humility about the limits of every model or measurement.
Line of Position: fact and faith, kept distinct
This is a factual history-of-science, instrument, timekeeping, or navigation reference. It may support wonder and disciplined attention without becoming a claim of fate, worship, or private revelation.
Line of Position in numerology
Line of Position is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why Line of Position matters
Line of Position matters because one observation narrows location to a locus while two or more suitable observations can determine a fix.
Line of Position at work: an example
A celestial altitude produces a local line approximately perpendicular to the body's azimuth.
Where interpretation stops
Line of Position is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency: The American Practical Navigator - Official modern reference for navigation principles, celestial observations, sight reduction, and navigational tables.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Also appears in
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Explore Line of Position
Line of Position in a book is one thing; Line of Position in your own birth chart is your life. The Oracle casts your real chart and tells you what it means for your love, your work, and your year ahead, in conversation, free.
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More in Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Meridian Circle
- Orrery
- Repeating Circle
- Sun Sight
- Astronomical Quadrant
- Computed Altitude
- Equinoctial Ring Dial
Common questions
What is Line of Position?
Line of Position is a line on which the observer is estimated to lie according to one navigation observation.
How is Line of Position used in an almanac?
Use Line of Position by plotting the line with its timestamp, source, uncertainty, and any motion used to advance it.
What should I avoid when interpreting Line of Position?
A line is not a point, and nearly parallel lines create a weak intersection with large uncertainty.
