Which technology aids in navigating through poor visibility conditions?

Radar is a crucial technology for navigating through poor visibility conditions because it uses radio waves to detect the presence, distance, and speed of objects such as other vessels, landmasses, and navigational aids. This capability allows navigators to maintain situational awareness even when visual references are obscured by fog, rain, or other environmental factors. Radar systems are able to provide detailed information about the surrounding area, enabling mariners to make informed decisions about course and speed to avoid potential collisions or navigational hazards.

In contrast, depth sounders primarily give information about underwater features, which is useful for ensuring safe navigation in shallow areas but does not assist in identifying surrounding vessels or land. Nautical maps serve as essential navigational tools for planning routes, but they do not provide real-time situational awareness, especially in low visibility. Hand compasses can aid in determining direction, but they rely on visible landmarks or celestial navigation which may not be usable when visibility is compromised.