What does dead reckoning primarily rely upon for navigation?

Dead reckoning is a navigation technique that primarily relies on the calculation of one's current position based on a previously determined position, taking into account factors such as speed, time, and compass direction. This method does not depend on visual landmarks, statistical analysis, or GPS technology, but rather on the assumption that one can accurately measure their movement using a compass and track their direction over time.

In dead reckoning, the navigator continuously updates their estimated position by taking into account the angle of travel and distance covered in a specific compass direction. This approach is especially useful in situations where visibility is poor or in featureless terrain, making visual navigation difficult or impossible. The precision of dead reckoning relies heavily on the accuracy of the compass readings and the measurements of speed and duration of travel, solidifying its importance in tactical and military navigation.