A method of navigation which enables an aircraft to follow any course within a network of fixed points relative to which its position can be determined, rather than having to navigate a course directly from one such fixed point to another; navigation by this means.
Origin
1960s; earliest use found in Flying.
Definition of area navigation in US English:
area navigation
noun
A method of navigation which enables an aircraft to follow any course within a network of fixed points relative to which its position can be determined, rather than having to navigate a course directly from one such fixed point to another; navigation by this means.