In the modern era, while GPS technology has made human life extremely convenient, it still faces accuracy challenges in urban canyons, tall buildings, and underground locations. This paper introduces a completely new academic framework “Astrolabe AI,” which presents a fusion of Andalusian-era astrolabe techniques and modern artificial intelligence. During the Andalusian period, which spanned from the 8th to the 15th century, Islamic scientists in Al-Andalus (modern-day Spain) developed complex astronomical instruments like astrolabes that could accurately determine location through celestial bodies. These instruments were not only used for astronomical calculations but also played a key role in determining precise positions on Earth. When modern artificial intelligence combines with these ancient algorithms, it gives birth to a hybrid technology that can overcome the limitations of current GPS systems. Our research reveals that Andalusian navigation techniques contain fundamental principles that can give new direction to modern location-based services.

The development of the astrolabe during the Andalusian period is an important chapter in the golden history of Islamic science. When Muslims entered Al-Andalus (modern Spain) in the 8th century, they brought new knowledge and technology with them. The astrolabe, whose foundations lie in Greek science, was elevated to a new level by Andalusian scientists. They not only improved existing designs but also developed new creations that were more accurate and versatile. Historical evidence indicates that during the 11th century, astrolabes from Al-Andalus were considered the best quality and were used throughout the Islamic world. Andalusian astrolabes included interchangeable plates for different latitudes, making them suitable for long-distance navigation. These instruments were used not only for celestial observations but also proved helpful in timekeeping, determining the qibla direction, and establishing geographical coordinates. Among the famous astrolabe makers of this era were experts like Ibrahim ibn Sa’id al-Sahli, who created a magnificent celestial globe in 1081.

Andalusian scientists introduced complex mathematical principles for celestial navigation through the astrolabe. These instruments were essentially analog computers that operated on the principles of spherical trigonometry. The basic function of the astrolabe was to measure the altitudes of celestial bodies and then convert these measurements into terrestrial coordinates. Andalusian experts skillfully used the sine function, which they learned from Indian astronomy. This function proved crucial in establishing relationships between angular measurements and linear distances. The astrolabe’s design used stereographic projection, a mathematical technique through which the three-dimensional celestial sphere could be represented on a two-dimensional plane. Andalusian scientists further refined these projections to enable accurate calculations at different latitudes. Their calculations also considered factors like parallax correction, atmospheric refraction, and seasonal variations, which resemble the error correction techniques used in modern GPS systems.

The fusion of modern artificial intelligence and Andalusian navigation algorithms could prove to be a revolutionary step. Artificial intelligence essentially consists of algorithms that can learn from data and create new content. When these capabilities combine with navigation principles from the Andalusian era, a powerful hybrid system emerges. Machine learning models can train on these ancient mathematical principles to correct inaccuracies in modern GPS signals. Particularly, deep learning networks can integrate the principles of astrolabe spherical trigonometry to improve position accuracy in urban environments. Through reinforcement learning, AI systems can learn from these ancient techniques and apply them adaptively in different situations. This approach can be especially useful in locations where modern GPS systems fail, such as deep valleys, underground parking, or between tall buildings. A major benefit of this integration is that it will reduce complete dependence on satellite signals and form a more resilient navigation network.

While current GPS technology is revolutionary, it has its own limitations that affect its accuracy and reliability. GPS systems primarily rely on satellite signals, which can be affected by atmospheric conditions, signal blockage in urban environments, and intentional jamming. In urban areas, tall buildings create an “urban canyon” effect where signals reflect or get blocked, affecting position accuracy. In underground locations or indoor environments, satellite signals have no access at all. Additionally, current systems face issues like signal interference and cybersecurity threats. Given these problems, researchers are looking for alternative or complementary technologies. This is precisely where Andalusian navigation techniques can prove important. Historically, astrolabes enabled position determination through celestial observations without relying on artificial satellites. By giving modern form to this same principle, a system can be developed that works alongside GPS and compensates for its shortcomings in situations where satellite signals are insufficient.

The development of AI models inspired by Andalusian navigation algorithms is a systematic process involving multiple stages. First, mathematical principles need to be extracted from historical texts and manuscripts. The works of Andalusian scientists, such as Ibn al-Raqqam’s treatise on “Ilm al-Zilal” (Science of Shadows), contain the fundamental principles that can be converted into digital form. Then these principles need to be transformed into mathematical models understandable by AI systems. In the second stage, these models will be integrated into machine learning frameworks. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can be trained on astrolabe stereographic projections to recognize celestial patterns. Recurrent neural networks (RNNs) are suitable for position tracking over time, exactly as astrolabe users tracked the movements of celestial bodies over time. Through reinforcement learning, this system can learn optimal navigation strategies in different environmental conditions. The training process will include both synthetic data and actual field measurements to ensure model generalization.

Navigation challenges in urban environments can be effectively solved through AI systems inspired by Andalusian algorithms. When GPS signals are blocked or reflected due to tall buildings, this system can use complementary techniques. By combining celestial navigation principles with modern computer vision, the AI system can calculate its position through sky images. This technique is particularly useful in cases where satellite signals are unavailable. Additionally, modern versions of ephemeris tables developed by Andalusian experts can be incorporated into the AI model to match predicted positions of celestial bodies with actual observations. In integration with inertial navigation systems (INS), this approach can help reduce position drift. Practically, a smartphone app containing an AI model could capture sky images through the device’s camera and process these images to determine the user’s position, whether GPS signal is available or not. This technique could prove especially useful in emergency situations when communication networks are compromised.

The principles of celestial navigation can be combined with modern technology for use in various new applications. In autonomous vehicles, this system can provide a redundant navigation system alongside GPS, which could prove particularly useful in tunnels or covered areas. In maritime navigation, which historically relied on celestial observations, this technique combined with modern electronic systems can provide enhanced safety and accuracy. In the aerospace industry, celestial navigation systems for spacecraft can be upgraded to AI-enhanced versions, which could improve the accuracy of interplanetary missions. In the outdoor recreation sector, devices can be developed for hikers and explorers that provide satellite-independent navigation. In archaeological and historical research, this technique can help researchers better understand ancient navigation methods. In the educational field, this system can become a source of practical learning for science and history students, clarifying connections between ancient and modern science.

The integration of Andalusian navigation principles with modern telescopes and advanced sensors can multiply the system’s capability many times over. Modern digital cameras and image sensors can be used with AI models to detect and identify celestial bodies. Through integration with spectrometers and other scientific instruments, this system can detect atmospheric conditions and compensate for their effects, exactly as Andalusian experts included the effects of atmospheric refraction in their calculations. In combination with inertial measurement units (IMUs), this system can offer a hybrid solution that combines the best aspects of both techniques. Magnetometers, which measure Earth’s magnetic field, can be used as a modern version of the compass, exactly as Andalusian navigators used lodestone compasses. Through data fusion from multiple sensors, the AI model can achieve comprehensive positional awareness that doesn’t depend on any single sensor type. This approach increases the system’s reliability and robustness, especially in challenging environments.

AI navigation systems inspired by Andalusian algorithms not only offer technical advantages but also possess environmental benefits. Current GPS systems require complex satellite networks to operate, whose maintenance and operation consume considerable energy. In contrast, Earth-based celestial navigation systems use less energy and reduce dependence on satellite infrastructure. This approach could also help reduce electronic waste, as devices’ battery life will improve when they rely more on local computational power rather than satellite signals. In terms of energy efficiency, AI-enhanced celestial navigation can use less computational power when used in standalone mode, since it relies on local images and calculations rather than external signal processing. This could prove particularly beneficial for IoT devices and other battery-powered applications. Furthermore, this system requires less infrastructure for global positioning, which could make navigation solutions more accessible in developing regions where comprehensive satellite coverage doesn’t exist.

In terms of security and protection, AI systems inspired by Andalusian algorithms offer several important benefits. Current GPS systems are vulnerable to jamming and spoofing attacks, where malicious actors can broadcast false signals to mislead navigation systems. A system based on celestial observations could prove more resilient against such attacks, since the positions of celestial bodies cannot be manipulated. This system can provide an independent verification mechanism that can validate the authenticity of GPS signals. In terms of personal privacy, this approach can better protect users’ data privacy while providing them the facility to use location services, since most processing will be local and won’t require constant communication with remote servers. From a cybersecurity perspective, this system can serve as an additional layer of security, especially in critical applications where position data integrity is extremely important. In terms of national security, this technique can serve as backup systems that can provide alternative navigation in emergency situations when satellite systems are compromised.

Systematic measures are needed to preserve the scientific heritage of the Andalusian period and make it applicable in the modern era. First, digital archiving of historical manuscripts and texts is needed so this valuable knowledge isn’t lost over time. Then, the technical information contained in these texts needs to be translated into modern scientific language. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, historians, scientists, and engineers can together understand and apply ancient principles in modern contexts. Museums and educational institutions can play a key role in this regard by organizing exhibitions and workshops that clarify connections between ancient and modern science. Practically, projects can create functional replicas of historical instruments enhanced with modern sensors and computational capabilities. Such projects will not only help preserve historical heritage but also introduce new generations to the historical sequence of scientific development. Additionally, this approach can promote cultural exchange, since Andalusian science was the result of intellectual cooperation between different cultures.

There are numerous possibilities for future research and development in this field. In the short term, researchers can test different AI architectures compatible with Andalusian algorithms. In the medium term, focus can be placed on developing hybrid systems that combine different navigation techniques. In the long term, fully autonomous systems can be developed that can seamlessly integrate multiple navigation methods without human intervention. Through integration with emerging technologies like quantum computing and neuromorphic engineering, these systems’ performance and efficiency can be further improved. Through international collaboration, parallel work can be done on different aspects of research, which could accelerate the pace of development. Standardization initiatives could make development in this field more organized and ensure interoperability between different systems. Partnership between government agencies and the private sector could accelerate this technology’s commercial applications. Academic institutions can develop skilled professionals in this field through curriculum development.

Global collaboration and an interdisciplinary approach are extremely necessary for this technology’s success. Historians and archaeologists can provide expertise about ancient texts and instruments. Computer scientists and AI researchers can develop modern computational models. Electrical engineers can work on hardware components and sensor integration. Mathematicians can establish connections between ancient and modern mathematics. Through international conferences and workshops, researchers from different countries can exchange their findings and start collaborative projects. Cultural organizations can provide financial support for such initiatives. Educational institutions can arrange specialized courses and training programs that build bridges between traditional knowledge and modern technology. Policy makers can help establish a favorable environment for research in this field. Industrial partners can play an important role in developing and commercializing practical applications. Such a comprehensive approach can not only generate technical breakthroughs but also promote intercultural understanding.

The concept of Astrolabe AI is actually a beautiful synthesis of ancient knowledge and modern technology, determining a new revolutionary direction in the field of navigation systems. When the astrolabe techniques invented by Andalusian scientists are used in combination with modern artificial intelligence, they can overcome many limitations of current GPS systems. From improving accuracy in urban environments to providing reliable navigation in emergency situations, this approach offers multiple benefits. Environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and enhanced security are its other important aspects. In the future, as this technology develops, we can see it being used on a wide scale in various sectors – from personal devices to critical infrastructure. Interdisciplinary cooperation and global partnerships can accelerate this technology’s development and adoption. This is not only an important advancement in the world of technology but also a means of preserving cultural heritage and transmitting it to new generations.