Navigation is ______________.

Navigation is considered an art of approximation because it involves interpreting a variety of factors and conditions that affect the journey through land, air, or sea. Unlike a precise science, which focuses on exact measurements and calculations, navigation often requires the navigator to make educated guesses based on the available data, environmental circumstances, and the limitations of navigational tools.

For example, navigators must account for variables such as weather, ocean currents, and the limitations of their instruments, which can create discrepancies between the intended course and the actual path taken. This inherently involves a degree of judgment and adaptability, as navigators must continuously assess and adjust their routes based on real-time observations.

The essence of navigation not only lies in using tools to find positions accurately but also in understanding the context and making decisions that may not always lead to precise outcomes but are nonetheless effective for reaching a destination safely and efficiently.