A lighthouse is a type of navigational beacon.
Beacons are devices that attract attention to a specific area. Beacons are critical in navigation, identification, and communication among people and the environment. Beacons typically assist drivers, pilots, and captains, as they navigate the land air, and sea. Beacons employ a variety of technologies. The technology used by the beacon changes the way it is utilized by others.
Day Beacons
A day beacon is an unlighted nautical sea mark. They are used to aid boats as they navigate in shallow waters. Day beacons mark channels where the boats can navigate easily until they reach deeper waters. The nautical guide is attached to the seabed in order to maintain its position. Day beacons are often used in conjunction with buoys to provide visible sea marks even in the dark.
Electric Beacon
Electrical beacons utilize radio, infrared, and sonar technology. Electrical beacons, depending on the technology, can aid in navigation, identification, and geological tracking. Radio beacons, for example, assist in air and sea navigation. Space and satellite beacons are used to locate a satellite's exact position in the sky. Infrared beacons transmit an infrared light beam, and are used by military to identify weapons and vehicles as friendly, enemy, or neutral. Sonar beacons are underwater beacons that utilize ultrasonic signals to identify other watercraft and obstacles along the path.
Marker Beacon
A marker beacon is a radio beacon used in aviation. Pilots utilize marker beacons to determine the correct position to maneuver the aircraft when beginning to land. Marker beacons are used with instrument landing systems at airports to provide guidance to pilots as they land. Radio signals are sent to the aircraft by the beacon, which is sometimes lighted to provide additional navigation assistance. Aircraft flying in areas of low visibility benefit greatly from using marker beacons when landing.
Weather Beacon
A weather beacon is a beacon used to indicate the weather forecast in the area. Using a sequence of flashing lights, viewers can learn the forecast for a given day. For example, the beacon will display several flashing blue lights to signify rain in the forecast. Weather beacons are typically located at the top of a tall building or a tower. Unlike most other beacons, weather beacons are not used as a navigational aid, or for identification or location purposes.
Tags: beacons used, beacon used, Electrical beacons, marker beacons, navigation identification