How does lighthouses works, why is it so important?
In: Technology
They are important for showing position.
Mainly the position of the land they’re on, but by knowing how tall the lighthouse is, you can know how far away it can be seen. That gives an arc on the chart *(water map)* where you have to be inside there somewhere because you can see that particular lighthouse. Combined with water depth, the location is narrowed more.
And by knowing the characteristics of that lighthouse *(color & design during the day, light color, flashing speed & pattern at night)* you can know that you are definitely near a certain place.
If you can see 2 or more lighthouses, you have a really good idea where you are, based on angle & distance to each.
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