Newtonian and relativistic location systems

2008

The theory of location systems involves the geometric and physical description of the protocols allowing the realization of coordinate systems. In this communication, the incidence of the space-time causal structure (Newtonian or relativistic) on the construction of location systems is remarked. Specifically, we focus our attention: (i) on the construction of Newtonian emission coordinates that are contrasted with those associated with relativistic positioning systems, and (ii) on the role played by non-absolute synchronizations (like the one provided by the local Solar time) in the comprehension of Newtonian and relativistic location systems.