Chart Navigation & Plotting · Fixes and LOPs

The most accurate two-bearing fix is obtained when the lines of position cross at an angle nearest to:

Explanation

LOPs that intersect at or near 90° minimize the position-error ellipse caused by small bearing errors. Bearings that cross at a narrow (or very wide) angle produce an elongated, less reliable fix.

Authority: Bowditch, American Practical Navigator (Pub. 9), piloting

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