Dead Reckoning

When using the dead reckoning method of navigation, the navigator keeps a very careful record of the ship's movements and the distance and direction of travel from the point of departure.  The ship's every movement is plotted painstakingly on a chart.  Dead reckoning is usually used in junction with celestial navigation, piloting, or both, and a new chart is begun each time celestial navigation or piloting provides an accurate fix of the ship's position. 

Dead reckoning is essentially just a thorough charting of position, and cannot be used as the sole method of navigation.

For More Information:

• Piloting-Dead Reckoning