What does dead reckoning involve in navigation?

Dead reckoning is a navigation technique that relies on calculating one’s current or future position based on previously known positions and the elapsed flight time, distance traveled, speed, and direction of travel. This method involves starting from a specific reference point, then applying the appropriate corrections for wind drift and other factors to determine the aircraft’s current position in relation to the planned course.

It does not depend on visual cues or landmarks, which would be the focus of another method such as pilotage. While GPS and other modern navigation systems can provide exact locations, dead reckoning can be used independently of these technologies, especially in areas where GPS signals may be unreliable or unavailable. Additionally, relying solely on height and speed does not encompass the broader calculation of course and distance necessary for effective dead reckoning navigation.