PredictionX: Lost Without Longitude from edX

Humans have been navigating for ages. As we developed the tools and techniques for determining location and planning a route, navigation grew into a practice, an art, and a science. Navigational skill has long been tied to commercial, economic, and military success. However, the ability to predict when and where one will reach a distant destination is more than just a key to empire-building — it’s often a matter of life and death.

Using video, text, infographics, and Worldwide Telescope tours, we will explore the tools and techniques that navigators have used, with a particular focus on the importance (and difficulty) of measuring longitude. Grounded in the principles of position, direction, speed, and time, we will learn the challenges of navigating without a GPS signal. We’ll learn how the Age of Exploration and the economic forces of worldwide trade encouraged scientific progress in navigation; and how Jupiter’s moons, lunar eclipses, and clockmakers all played a part in orienting history’s navigators.

Centuries of progress in navigation have helped put humans on the moon and spacecraft on a comet. This course will explain how we got there, and how that progress enables you to get where you’re going today.

What's inside

Learning objectives

What exactly navigation is and how it works
The importance of position, direction, and speed
The many navigational tools of the 18th century
How the motion of the sun and stars aids navigation

Why longitude is so difficult to determine
The historical context of navigation’s technical advances
The role of chronometers and lunar distance
The story of john harrison and the longitude prize

What exactly navigation is and how it works
The importance of position, direction, and speed
The many navigational tools of the 18th century
How the motion of the sun and stars aids navigation
Why longitude is so difficult to determine
The historical context of navigation’s technical advances
The role of chronometers and lunar distance
The story of john harrison and the longitude prize

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a deep and more thorough understanding of the use of Position, Direction, Speed, Time and the stars as navigational tools

Examines Western society's historical significance in navigation, particularly its role in the Age of Exploration

Develops historical and technical skills necessary to navigate without GPS or current navigation systems

Provides the theoretical basis of navigation using principles of astronomy and physics

Navigational history and practice is made more accessible using video, text, infographics, and interactive demonstrations

Understand how coordinates have developed, and how their measurements have impacted the history of navigation

Reviews summary

Interesting and never give up

Learners say that PredictionX: Lost Without Longitude is an interesting course. Students say that they have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy taking other new and innovative courses both inside and outside of a university setting. They also welcome new students and love the course.

Students say this course was very interesting!

"Interesting to take courses even in this age."

Learners enjoyed the innovative approach to the course.

"new and innovative courses in side and out side as well."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in PredictionX: Lost Without Longitude with these activities:

Read Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time

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Gain historical context and insights into the challenges of longitude determination.

View Marie Curie's Lab on Amazon

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Read the book.
Summarize the key challenges and innovations in longitude determination.

Attend a Workshop on Navigation Techniques

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Gain hands-on experience and learn advanced techniques by attending a workshop on navigation.

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Research and identify a relevant workshop.
Register for and attend the workshop.
Participate actively and ask questions.

Follow Tutorials on GPS and Inertial Navigation Systems

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Expand your understanding of modern navigation technologies by completing tutorials on GPS and inertial navigation systems.

Browse courses on GPS

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Identify reputable tutorials on GPS and inertial navigation.
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises.
Experiment with different GPS and inertial navigation systems.

Four other activities

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Calculate Latitude and Longitude

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Practice calculating latitude and longitude using various methods and tools.

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Use a sextant and celestial navigation tables.
Use a GPS receiver.
Use a map and compass.

Solve Navigational Problems

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Sharpen your problem-solving skills in navigation by working through real-world scenarios.

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Analyze a navigational problem.
Develop a solution using the appropriate navigational tools and techniques.
Evaluate and refine your solution.

Implement Your Own Navigation Controller

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Build a prototype navigation controller to demonstrate your understanding of the principles of navigation.

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Design the architecture of your controller.
Implement the core functionality of the controller.
Test and debug your controller.

Build a Navigation System for a Self-Driving Car

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Apply your knowledge of navigation to a real-world problem by designing and implementing a navigation system for a self-driving car.

Browse courses on Self-Driving Cars

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Design the system architecture.
Implement the localization and mapping algorithms.
Integrate the system with a self-driving car simulation or test platform.

Career center

Learners who complete PredictionX: Lost Without Longitude will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Navigation Officer

As a navigation officer, you would be responsible for determining the geographic location of a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle. You would also be responsible for determining the most efficient route for travel, taking into account factors such as prevailing winds, currents, and weather conditions. This course will provide you with the basic knowledge of position, direction, speed, and time that you will need to start down this career path.

See salaries and explore the career path for Navigation Officer

Planetary Geologist

Planetary geologists are geologists who study planets and other celestial bodies in our solar system. If you want to become a planetary geologist, you will typically need at least a master's degree in planetary geology or a related field, such as geology or astronomy. This course will provide you with a foundational knowledge in geology and physics, and will give you an understanding of the basic principles of planetary science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Planetary Geologist

Astronomer

Astronomers are experts in the celestial bodies in the universe. If you want to become one, you will need a PhD in physics or a related field. There is a huge overlap in the requirements for an astronomer and the skills you will develop in this navigation course. That is because an astronomer needs to understand a range of advanced theories in physics and cosmology. Furthermore, the technical skills developed in this navigation course will help you excel early on in academia.

See salaries and explore the career path for Astronomer

Geodetic Surveyor

If you dream of exploring the globe, a career as a geodetic surveyor just might be the right one for you. You will need an advanced degree to enter this field. You will also need to take this course early in your academic career. The concepts introduced in this course are essential to the work of a geodetic surveyor, who precisely measures the Earth's geography and contours.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geodetic Surveyor

Oceanographer

Oceanographers study the oceans, including their physical, chemical, and biological properties. They also study the interactions between the oceans and the atmosphere, and the impact of human activities on the oceans. If you want to become an oceanographer, you will typically need at least a master's degree in oceanography or a related field, such as marine science or biology. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge in physics that you need to excel in an oceanography program.

See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer

Photogrammetrist

Photogrammetrists use aerial photographs and other remote sensing data to create maps and other representations of the Earth's surface. They also use photogrammetric techniques to measure the dimensions of objects and to create 3D models. This course will help you develop the skills you need for success in photogrammetry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photogrammetrist

Cartographer

Cartographers create maps and other visual representations of geographic data. They use a variety of tools and techniques, including GIS software, aerial photography, and satellite imagery. This course will provide you with the basic skills you need for success in cartography.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cartographer

Hydrologist

Hydrologists, who study water, are in high demand because of the increasing scarcity of clean water. If you are good at physics, you may be interested in specializing in water dynamics. Similarly, if you are good at chemistry, environmental science, or environmental policy, you may prefer to specialize in water quality. Either way, this course will serve you well.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrologist

Geologist

Geologists study the Earth's crust and its history. The field is vast and covers a range of topics, from earthquakes to rock formations. Regardless of your subfield of interest, you should take this course if you want to become a geologist. It will strengthen your foundational understanding of the science and will make it easier for you to excel in advanced coursework.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist

Surveyor

Surveyors measure and map the Earth's surface, and determine property boundaries. They use a variety of tools and techniques, including GPS, lasers, and aerial photography. This course will help you develop the skills you need for success in surveying.

See salaries and explore the career path for Surveyor

Navigation Systems Technician

As a navigation systems technician, you would be responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing navigation systems in ships, aircraft, and other vehicles. You would need to be able to troubleshoot problems with navigation systems, and to use electronic test equipment to diagnose and repair faults. The skills and technical knowledge you will develop in this course will be very helpful during your preparation for this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Navigation Systems Technician

Meteorologist

Meteorologists study the atmosphere and weather patterns. If you want to become a meteorologist, you typically need at least a bachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science. You may also need a master's degree in a related field, such as physics or mathematics. This course may help you build a strong foundation in meteorology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Meteorologist

Teacher

Teachers develop, implement, and evaluate instructional plans to teach students at all levels. They also assess student progress and provide feedback to students and parents. If you are interested in teaching Earth science or physics, you may want to consider taking this course. It will help you develop a depth of knowledge that will make you a more effective teacher.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Urban Planner

Urban planners develop and implement plans for the development and use of land in urban areas. They work with local governments, businesses, and community groups to create plans that meet the needs of the community. If you are interested in a career in urban planning, this course may be helpful. It will provide you with a basic understanding of geography and navigation, which will be helpful when planning the development of urban areas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Travel Agent

Travel agents help people plan and book their travel arrangements. They may work for a travel agency, or they may be self-employed. If you are interested in a career in the travel industry, this course may be helpful. It will provide you with a basic understanding of geography and navigation, which will be helpful when planning trips for your clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Travel Agent