Navigation and Geodesy
======================
This example demonstrates geodetic calculations, datum conversions, and map projections.
.. raw:: html
Overview
--------
Geodesy provides the mathematical foundation for navigation:
- **Geodetic datums**: Earth ellipsoid models (WGS84)
- **Distance calculations**: Vincenty, Haversine methods
- **Map projections**: UTM, Mercator, Lambert Conformal
- **Great circles**: Shortest paths on Earth
Geodetic Calculations
---------------------
**Vincenty's Formulae**
- High accuracy (< 0.5mm)
- Works for all distances
- Handles antipodal points
**Haversine Formula**
- Simpler calculation
- Good for short distances
- Assumes spherical Earth
**Rhumb Lines**
- Constant bearing paths
- Longer than great circles
- Easier navigation
.. raw:: html
**Earth Ellipsoid**: The WGS84 reference ellipsoid with coordinate frames at various locations.
Map Projections
---------------
**UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator)**
- Low distortion in zones
- Standard military/civilian use
**Mercator**
- Conformal (preserves angles)
- Used for marine navigation
**Lambert Conformal Conic**
- Low distortion for mid-latitudes
- Used for aeronautical charts
Code Highlights
---------------
The example demonstrates:
- ``geodetic_distance_vincenty()`` for accurate distances
- ``geodetic_direct()`` for point from bearing/distance
- ``utm_to_geodetic()`` and ``geodetic_to_utm()``
- Map projection functions
Source Code
-----------
.. literalinclude:: ../../../examples/navigation_geodesy.py
:language: python
:linenos:
Running the Example
-------------------
.. code-block:: bash
python examples/navigation_geodesy.py
See Also
--------
- :doc:`ins_gnss_navigation` - INS/GNSS integration
- :doc:`coordinate_systems` - Coordinate conversions