NavList:

I have recently seen several maps showing the world divided into time zones, but the zone labels are inconsistent, with either negative or positive signs used for the same hemisphere.

Of course, it is not difficult to see how to get UT from ZT and vice-versa, but a simple reference to, say ZT-6, can refer to a time/location in easterly or westerly longitude, depending upon which map one prefers. This is a bit like the common confusion between the sign of an error and its correction.

It seems logical to use cartesian labelling with westerly time zones as negative, but others disagree. Is there an internationally recognised convention on this? Consulting my usual references is not much help.

When I was at sea we took no notice of "official" zone time and just adjusted the ship's clocks as necessary to locate lunchtime somewhere in the middle of the day.

Regards to all
JB
----------------------------------------------------------------
NavList message boards and member settings: www.fer3.com/NavList
Members may optionally receive posts by email.
To cancel email delivery, send a message to NoMail[at]fer3.com
----------------------------------------------------------------