◈ Overview ◈[]
The Major Navigation System, commonly abbreviated as "Majornav" for short, is a complicated navigation system invented by the M.E.G in order to consistently navigate through the expanse of the Backrooms. Created as a way to effectively map out travel paths through the Wake in spite of its various spatial abnormalities, it remains one of the only ways of consistent navigation to this very day, being used by many wanderers all throughout the dimension.
◈ History ◈[]
The Major Navigation System was invented in 1905 by Andrew Harrison, an M.E.G operative born in the Backrooms and working as the head of the Exploration Department. Concerned about the large populations of operatives and wanderers that would end being lost to the expanses of the Backrooms while attempting to travel between the group's outposts, Andrew would collaborate with Team E-1 ("Team Voyager") in order to design a mapping system tailored specifically for the Backrooms, as normal methods of cartography often proved unreliable due to anomalous geometry.
Eventually, Andrew and his team of M.E.G operatives would finalize the Major Navigation System, creating a written guide on how to use it, as well as multiple maps. Quickly thereafter, this system would catch on with wanderers throughout the Backrooms, with the majority of groups and wanderers using it to this very day.
◈ Functionality ◈[]
View the following formula. Assume that l is equal to the distance you need to travel, a is equal to the angle you need to turn at, and d is equal to the direction you need to turn at (represented by either L for turning left, or R for turning right):
Now, as an example of how this system works, an functional line for the Major Navigation System will be used:
If you wanted to take the path represented by this formula, you would need to travel 200 meters straight, stop, turn 80 degrees left, and then travel 50 meters straight, allowing you to end up at the intended destination. Obviously, this is an oversimplification; many maps utilizing the Major Navigation System are significantly longer and more complex than the example given, and measuring exact distances becomes infeasible, meaning that using a distance measuring tool such as a pedometer is advised.[1]
◈ Related Objects ◈[]
LPS (Liminal Positioning System)[]
The LPS, standing for the Liminal Positioning System, is an advanced navigation system invented by The Architects as a superior alternative to traditional Majornav maps. Functioning in a manner similar to GPS devices within The Frontrooms, they function using a anomalous computational chip to detect one's location, as well as connection to a website on BACK-NET known as Backrooms Navigation, a website created by the M.E.G, The Architects, and The Database in order to provide a detailed archive of routes and coordinates in the Major Navigation System.
Unlike coordinates in real life, coordinates within the Backrooms Navigation website are assigned manually by the website's maintenance staff, with each square meter on a known route (no matter how used or unused) being assigned a coordinate in the order they were added to the Backrooms Navigation website.[2] Upon typing in a coordinate on the LPS device, the website will automatically show the fastest path to the destination you want to arrive at, as well as functioning as an automatic pedometer and being able to account for occasional derailments off the intentional path.
Be warned, however; in levels where the occurrence of Shifting Geometry is particularly common and/or severe, it may be easy to get lost even with implements such as these.
◈ Established Routes ◈[]
Below this notice, a large array of information regarding wanderer and group-made routes have been archived. Due to the fact that this is currently a non-comprehensive list, all Database users are heavily encouraged to add their own entries to this list.
Office Route[]
The Office Route is the first route to ever be officially mapped out using the Major Navigation System, traveling through Level 1, Level 2, and Level 4. Stretching over an impressive thirty kilometers, this road is well known as one of the most well-maintained routes present within the Backrooms, with visible markers and active M.E.G efforts by Team D-1 - ("Arminius Squadron") to control the population of hostile entities near the area.
Due to the high maintenance and the route's exit to a safe level, this road is highly used by wanderers all over the Backrooms, with common use by the Backroom Colonists and the M.E.G to transport goods between levels.
Nexus Route[]
The Nexus Route is a road which travels through three well known nexus levels: The Hub, The Metro, and Level 154. This route is a common trail used for inter-group trading and resource transport due to its position within the Backrooms and the relative safety of the levels it travels through.
Due to its proximity to the Neon Express, this route is often maintained extensively by The Architects, making it a ideal place to travel to in the Backrooms; in total, thousands of wanderers go through this road every day, with many more forming settlements along the route due to its high travel potential.
Footnotes
Written and designed by Stormy.
Although the first two entries in the Established Routes list were made by me, the rest belong to their respective authors.