The Inertial Guidance System uses deviations to generate error signal commands which instruct the aircraft to move from a position where it is to a position where it isn't, arriving at a position where it wasn't, or now is. Consequently, the position where it is, is now the position where it wasn't; thus, it follows logically that the position where it was is the position where it isn't.
In the event that the position where the aircraft now is, is not the position where it wasn't, the Inertial Guidance System has acquired a variation. Variations are caused by external factors, the discussions of which are beyond the scope of this report.
A variation is the difference between where the aircraft is and where the aircraft wasn't. If the variation is considered to be a factor of significant magnitude, a correction may be applied by the use of the autopilot system. However, use of this correction requires that the aircraft now knows where it was because the variation has modified some of the information which the aircraft has, so it is sure where it isn't.
Nevertheless, the aircraft is sure where it isn't (within reason) and it knows where it was. It now subtracts where it should be from where it isn't, where it ought to be from where it wasn't (or vice versa) and integrates the difference with the product of where it shouldn't be and where it was; thus obtaining the difference between its deviation and its variation, which is variable constant called "error."
Got that?
Never mind ... just stick with the GPS, which is simpler. You turn it on, and it tells you how to get from where you are to where you want to be, using roads that are either under construction or no longer there, while generating an estimated time of arrival (ETOA) that is accurate to within an hour or two.
On second thought, hand me that old AAA map, would you?
Have a good day, wherever you are and however you plan to get there.
More thoughts when we arrive.
Bilbo
6 comments:
We actually don't have a GPS. I think I'm pretty good with a map and never felt the need for one.
I haven't seen it here but if ever I get one, I'd like the type that I saw in Japan. It tells you what the traffic is like on the various routes to your destination so you can avoid any traffic jams.
Maps rule.
I like my GPS, but sometimes it sends me off into back roads. I always use paper maps as a back up.
In the mid-1960's I operated radiopositioning equipment for seismic operations in the Gulf of Mexico and off of Alaska. The accuracy was primitive by today's standards; but it served its purpose.
I remember a conflict between my positioning and that which the first mate thought we were. It turned out that the magnatism ffrom his fan caused his compass to go cattywampus.
I once thought I was lost, but was told "You are never lost. You just learn new ways to get somewhere."
Maps are better than GPS but are harder to use while in motion if you don't have a co-pilot.
I just use low-tech maps.
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