The Institute of Navigation (ION) is a non-profit professional organization for the advancement of the art and science of navigation. It was founded in 1945 and serves communities interested in navigation and positioning on land, air, sea and space. It is a worldwide organization with members in over 50 countries.
As of 2008, the ION has approxmiately 3,000 members. The ION is headquartered in Manassas, Virginia.
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During World War II, the field of navigation experienced "dramatic developments [during] a period of fast-moving changes... People recognized the need for an organization to provide a forum for discussion [of the] various aspects of navigation."[1] Dr. Samuel Herrick, assistant professor of astronomy at UCLA, proposed an institute for navigation. Dr. Herrick envisioned a research center and publication of a journal.
On June 25, 1945, the Institute of Navigation was founded at an organizational meeting held at UCLA. The Institute's first permanent council was elected at the first annual meeting in October 1945. Colin H. McIntosh, of American Airlines, was elected as the Institute's first president. The Institute's journal, Navigation, was first published in March 1946.
The ION National Office was located on the campus of UCLA until 1960, when it moved to Washington, DC. In 1992, the headquarters were relocated to Northern Virginia.
The Institute sponsors several technical conferences each year. These conferences focus on current developments in navigation technology and policy.
The Institute of Navigation publishes a quarterly, peer-reviewed journal, Navigation.
The ION sponsors a variety of programs intended to promote the art and science of navigation. In an effort to reach out to the next generation of engineers, ION sponsors the ION Robotic Lawn Mower Competition, the ION Mini-Urban Challenge, a scholarship program, and student paper competitions.
The ION also sponsors government fellows that serve a one-year term in a Congressional office or an Executive Branch department.
The ION recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the art and science of navigation. These recognitions include annual awards and election to Fellow membership.