The ground-based navigations and solar incidence angle

Abstract This study focuses on developing a mathematical model to compute geographic coordinates (GCS) for any point on Earth based on the horizontal coordinates of observable celestial bodies with known motion at a specific time, such as the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars. Also, the model is applicable during daylight hours, as it can be implemented using sunlight shadows. Additionally, the position of a celestial body at a given time enables precise determination of geographic directions, such as true north. This facilitates accurate alignment of buildings intended for specific orientations, including scientific facilities, temples, and residential buildings designed to harmonize with wind patterns and sunlight exposure. This method is cost-effective, as it does not rely on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) like GPS, BDS, GALILEO, and GLONASS. In addition, a prototype device was engineered to instantaneously determine the Sun’s horizontal coordinates using photovoltaic cells.