Using two or more Lines of Position (LOP) from different objects enables a navigator to accurately determine the vessel's exact location. Each LOP represents a line where the vessel could possibly be located based on observed bearings to recognized landmarks or navigational aids. When these lines intersect, they form a point that represents the vessel's position with greater precision than using a single LOP alone.
This technique is fundamental to navigational practices because it helps the navigator cross-verify their location using multiple reference points, which increases confidence in the vessel's position on the chart. It is essential for ensuring safe navigation, especially in busy or complicated waterways where accuracy is crucial.
In contrast, while knowing the vessel's current speed, heading, or distance to the nearest port is important information for navigation, they cannot be determined directly from LOP alone. These aspects typically require additional calculations or data inputs from other navigational tools and methods.