Kreuzpeilungen

Kreuzpeilungen, a German term translating to "cross bearings" or "cross-bearings," refers to a fundamental navigation technique used to determine a vessel's or aircraft's position. This method relies on taking bearings to at least two known landmarks or radio beacons from the current position. Each bearing establishes a line of position (LOP) on which the navigator knows their craft must be located. When two such lines are intersected, the point of intersection represents the estimated position.

The accuracy of a Kreuzpeilung is dependent on several factors. The precision with which the bearings are taken is crucial, as is the accuracy of the known positions of the reference objects. The angle between the lines of position is also important; ideally, the intersection should be as close to a right angle as possible. If the bearings are too close to parallel, the intersection point can be elongated, leading to a larger potential error. A third bearing can be taken to increase confidence in the determined position and to provide a check on the accuracy of the first two.

Historically, Kreuzpeilungen were a primary method for celestial navigation, using the sun, moon, or stars as reference points. In modern times, electronic navigation systems, such as GPS and radar, have largely superseded manual Kreuzpeilungen for routine navigation. However, the underlying principle of intersecting lines of position remains relevant in understanding how many navigation systems function and can still be employed as a backup or in specific situations where electronic aids may be unavailable or unreliable. The term itself is less commonly used in English-speaking contexts, with "cross-bearing" being the more direct equivalent.