Institute of Navigation

The Institute of Navigation (ION) is a United States non-profit professional society advancing the art and science of positioning, navigation and timing. It was founded in 1945 by Samuel Herrick and P. V. H. Weems. It serves communities interested in navigation and positioning on land, air, sea and space. It is a worldwide organization with members in more than 50 countries. As of 2022, the ION has approximately 2,500 members. The ION is headquartered in Manassas, Virginia. History 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." 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 insti