Raadiomärgid

Raadiomärgid, or radio beacons, are electronic navigational aids that transmit radio signals to assist aircraft and ships in determining their position. These signals are typically omnidirectional, meaning they are broadcast in all directions, allowing a receiver on the moving craft to pick them up from any bearing. By measuring the direction of the incoming signal from one or more beacons, a navigator can plot their position on a chart.

There are several types of radio beacons, including Non-Directional Beacons (NDBs) and Direction Finding (DF) stations. NDBs are the simplest form, emitting a continuous or interrupted signal that a pilot or captain can orient themselves to. DF stations, on the other hand, are equipped with special antennas that allow them to determine the precise bearing of the incoming signal. This information can then be transmitted back to the user, either directly or through air traffic control.

Radio beacons played a crucial role in aviation and maritime navigation for many decades, especially before the widespread adoption of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) like GPS. They were essential for en-route navigation, approaches to airports, and for guiding vessels through coastal waters or into harbors. Many NDBs are still in use today, particularly in regions with less developed GNSS coverage or as a backup system. However, their importance has diminished significantly with the advent of more advanced and accurate electronic navigation technologies.