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Navigation & chartwork

What is a transit in navigation?

Short answer

Two identified charted objects observed in line, giving one line of position without a compass

A transit or range occurs when two identified objects are observed in line. It supplies one line of position or directional check without a compass, but not an exact fix: distance along the line and motion along it remain unresolved. Revise this in Coastal Skipper Terminology.

Sources and scope

Reviewed by Richard Moore on . This answer is scoped to united kingdom and general recreational seamanship; check the current chart, publication, local rules and official operational guidance before acting afloat.

Quick check

What is a transit in navigation?