In today's world of online maps and travel directions delivered
wirelessly to hand-held devices, getting from place to place requires
little thought from most of us--which is a good thing, since accurate
navigation can be tricky. Get your bearings with Mark Denny--an expert
at explaining scientific concepts in non-technical language--in this
all-encompassing look at the history and science of navigation.
Denny's tour kicks off with key facts about the earth and how its
physical properties affect travel. He discusses cartography and early
mapmakers, revealing fascinating tidbits such as how changes over time
of the direction of true north, as well as of magnetic north, impacted
navigation. Denny details the evolution of navigation from the days of
coastal piloting to GPS and other modern-day technologies. He explains
the scientific breakthroughs in accessible, amusing terms and provides
an insightful look at their effects on societies, cultures, and human
advancement. Throughout, Denny frames the long history of navigation
with amazing tales of such people as Pytheas, an ancient Greek
navigator, and Sir Francis Drake and of such discoveries as the magnetic
compass and radio direction finding.
Whether you have an interest in orienteering and geocaching or want to
know more about the critical role navigation has played in human
survival and progress since ancient people learned to use lodestones,
The Science of Navigation is for you. With it you'll finally
understand the why of wayfinding.
