Astro‐Azimuth Using Time Difference
Publication: Journal of Surveying Engineering
Volume 110, Issue 2
Abstract
Conventionally, the determination of astronomic azimuth involves the synchronization of the observations with a radio time signal or the measurement of zenith distances which are subject to refraction errors. A mathematical model is developed which is dependent upon time differences (not absolute time) and horizontal angles (nearly refraction‐free) between pairs of stars. Error analysis indicates that an optimum star pair includes Polaris and any second star whose azimuth is at least moderately changing. Field tests indicate that the azimuth of Polaris may be determined to within 0.6 seconds of arc. The formation and solution of the necessary equation may be implemented on a programmable calculator.
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References
1.
Apparent Places of Fundamental Stars, 1982, Heidelberg: Astronomisches Rechen‐Institut, Heidelberg, Germany, 1980.
2.
Baldini, A. A., “New Method for Determining Azimuth and Latitude Independent of Time and Zenith Distance,” Research Note No. 17, Project 4A014501A526, U.S. Army Engineer Geodesy, Intelligence and Mapping Research and Development Agency, Fort Belvoir, Va., Feb., 1966.
3.
Mueller, I. I., Spherical and Practical Astronomy as Applied to Geodesy, Frederick Ungar Publishing Co., Inc., New York, N.Y., 1969.
4.
Rish, R. F., “Rate of Change Methods in Astronomical Surveying,” Journal of the Surveying and Mapping Division, ASCE, Vol. 106, No. SU1, Nov., 1980, pp. 137–141.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Surveying Engineering
Volume 110 • Issue 2 • August 1984
Pages: 112 - 118
Copyright
Copyright © 1984 ASCE.
History
Published online: Aug 1, 1984
Published in print: Aug 1984
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