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An abbreviation giving a light's rhythm, colour and period.
Also known as: Light abbreviation, Flash characteristic, Light rhythm notation
A light on a chart is described by a coded abbreviation: the flash pattern, then the colour, then the period in seconds and the height and range. Two lights of the same colour are told apart by timing them, which is what the notation exists to make possible.
Encodes a navigational light's flash pattern, colour, period, elevation and nominal range in a fixed abbreviation printed beside the light.
Contexts: Navigation, Maps
Exists so that two lights of the same colour can be identified by timing them with a watch, which is the practical navigation technique it supports.
Contexts: Navigation, Maps
Uses a fixed vocabulary of rhythm abbreviations — fixed, flashing, occulting, isophase, group flashing — that mean specific ratios of light to dark rather than loose descriptions.
Contexts: Navigation, Maps
A short printed string of letters and numerals set beside a small star or teardrop marking a light's position.