In Part 1A, the student will learn the fundamentals of astronomic coordinate systems; astronomical time scales; astronomical phenomena; the components of a marine sextant and how it is used on land or sea; and learn the fundamentals of Celestial Navigation and Sight Reduction, Celestial Line of Position and Celestial Fix.  

You can also register for Part 1A, Part 2A and Part 2B.

In Part 1B (February 11), the student will learn how to interpolate Nautical Almanac data in order to solve the Astronomical Triangle using spherical trigonometry; use interactive and web-based aids to solve Celestial Navigation problems; apply over-the-horizon navigation by dead reckoning and computing a Celestial Line of Position; determine latitude of your position at Local Apparent Noon; and determine longitude of your position by Equal Altitudes.  At the end of Part 1B, students will participate in three Practical Exercises covering what they learned in Parts 1A & 1B. 

In Part 2A (February 18), the student will learn the fundamentals of Earth-Centered, Earth-Fixed and geodetic coordinate systems, dynamical time scales; apply the Method of [astro] Azimuth Determination at any Hour Angle with circumpolar and equatorial stars, sun, moon & planets followed by a practical exercise.

In Part 2B (February 25), the student will learn transformation of astronomic-to-geodetic latitude and longitude; determine the astronomic azimuth of a line and applying the necessary corrections to obtain its grid azimuth as a bearing basis for a land survey on the Texas Coordinate System followed by a practical exercise. 

Students who participate in all four parts will leave with the confidence and skills to train surveyors and field crews on how to perform field astrometric observations by “following the footsteps” of their predecessors.

This course is ideal for young surveyors who were raised on satellite positioning technology. All surveyors with varying degrees of experience are encouraged to attend. Experience in trigonometric functions is required. The student should bring a calculator that can convert degrees-minutes-seconds to decimal degrees and back, engineer scale, protractor, parallel rules (may be substituted using drafting triangles), and a mechanical lead pencil.

* Earn two (2) hours of CEU's per webinar - 8 hours total.