How to Use the Three-Point Fix Tool in Savvy Navvy

The three-point fix is a traditional navigation method that helps you determine your exact position on the water by taking compass bearings from three visible landmarks. Savvy Navvy is the first and only app to bring this classic seamanship technique into a digital format, making it simple, fast, and accurate.

What is a Three-Point Fix?

A three-point fix uses bearings from three known landmarks (such as lighthouses or headlands) to plot your current position. The lines intersect at a point or form a small triangle (known as a cocked hat) that shows your location.

Traditionally, this was done with paper charts. Now, Savvy Navvy brings the same reliability into your app.

Why Use It?

• Safety: A reliable backup if your GPS fails or feels inaccurate.
• Learning: Ideal for instructors and students practicing traditional navigation.
• Accuracy: Helps confirm your position using visual references.

How to Use the Three-Point Fix Tool

1. Open the Three-Point Fix tool

• Go to the main app menu.

• Tap Add three-point fix.

2. Take Your Bearings

• Use a hand-bearing compass to measure your first landmark.

• Enter the bearing into the app and tap Done.

• Repeat for your second and third bearings.

3. View Your Fix

• Savvy Navvy plots the lines and shows your estimated position.

• If the triangle (cocked hat) is too large, it will be highlighted in red, prompting you to try again for better accuracy.

4. Check Accuracy

• The bottom sheet shows the accuracy radius, based on your compass readings and bearings.

• Your fix is automatically time-stamped, so you know when it was taken.

5. Manage Your Fixes

• Each fix is displayed with a blue circle target icon.

• You can delete a fix by tapping it.

Tips for Best Results

• Choose clear, fixed landmarks that are spread apart (ideally ~120° from each other).
• Take bearings quickly to reduce movement error.
• If your triangle is too large, re-take the fix for more accuracy.

Who Should Use It?

The three-point fix tool is designed for:

• Instructors: Teach navigation skills with modern convenience.
• Leisure boaters: Gain peace of mind with a quick safety backup.
• Advanced navigators: Blend traditional seamanship with digital precision.

With Savvy Navvy’s Three-Point Fix tool, you can keep classic navigation skills alive while enjoying the speed, simplicity, and clarity of modern digital charts.

Updated on: 29/09/2025