line of position: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/Very TechnicalTechnical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “line of position” mean?
A line on a chart or map, every point on which represents a single observation (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A line on a chart or map, every point on which represents a single observation (e.g., a bearing or celestial sight) indicating the navigator's location.
Any conceptual or literal line used to determine a specific location, position, or boundary, derived from a measurement or observation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling differences only apply to related contexts (e.g., 'navigation' vs. 'navigation' is identical). The term is identical and standardised in professional maritime and aeronautical contexts. No regional variation in the term itself.
Connotations
Technical precision, safety, and expert knowledge in both variants.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both UK and US English. Used almost exclusively within professional navigation, surveying, and related technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “line of position” in a Sentence
[Verb] a line of position (from/using/based on [noun phrase])The line of position [verb] [prepositional phrase]A line of position [intersects/runs/shows]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “line of position” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to establish a line of position from that lighthouse.
- The navigator plotted the line of position carefully.
American English
- We need to shoot a line of position from that buoy.
- The navigator laid down the line of position on the chart.
adjective
British English
- The line-of-position data was fed into the system.
- We require a line-of-position fix.
American English
- The LOP data was entered into the plotter.
- We need a line-of-position determination.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in technical papers on navigation, geography, and historical exploration.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used by sailors, pilots, or orienteers explaining their activity.
Technical
Core term in navigation, cartography, surveying, and certain military contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “line of position”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “line of position”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “line of position”
- Using 'line of position' in non-technical contexts where 'boundary', 'line', or 'marker' would suffice.
- Confusing it with 'line of sight'. A line of position is determined by measurement; a line of sight is simply an unobstructed view.
- Incorrect plural: 'lines of positions' (should be 'lines of position').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A line of sight is simply an unobstructed straight line you can see along. A line of position is a calculated or observed line on a chart that indicates your possible location.
Yes, 'LOP' is the standard and very common abbreviation in professional navigation contexts (e.g., "Plot two LOPs for a fix").
Yes, it is used in air navigation as well as marine navigation, particularly in traditional or celestial navigation methods.
Imagine you take a compass bearing to a mountain. You know you are somewhere along the line drawn from the mountain at that angle on the map. That line is your line of position.
Line of position is usually technical/formal in register.
Line of position: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlaɪn əv pəˈzɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlaɪn əv pəˈzɪʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Crossing lines of position”
- “Shoot a line of position”
- “Get a fix from LOPs”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LINE you draw on a map. That line shows all the possible POSITIONs you could be in based on one measurement. You need two lines to find your exact spot.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS A LINE; LOCATION IS AN INTERSECTION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'line of position' most naturally be used?