Which navigation method uses visual references on the ground?

Pilotage is the navigation method that relies on visual references on the ground. When a pilot practices pilotage, they use visible landmarks, topographical features, and other geographical cues to determine their position and navigate their way to a destination. This method is particularly effective when flying at lower altitudes, where landmarks are easily identifiable.

In pilotage, navigators may refer to maps or charts that depict these visual references, helping them confirm their location based on what they see outside the cockpit. This direct visual confirmation is a key characteristic of pilotage, making it a fundamental technique for pilots, especially in familiar areas.

Other navigation methods, such as celestial navigation, dead reckoning, and radio navigation, do not rely on visual ground references in the same way. Celestial navigation depends on celestial bodies like stars and planets, dead reckoning involves estimating one's current position based on previous positions and calculations, while radio navigation relies on signals from fixed ground stations or radio beacons.