The lighthouse is a tall tower-shaped building. Lighting equipment should be installed at the top of the tower. The location should be prominent, and it should have a specific architectural shape to facilitate the identification of ships and become one of the highest points in the port.
Due to the curved surface of the earth, the tower must be high enough so that the light can be seen by ships at a distance, but the light should not be too high to avoid being blocked by clouds and fog at high places.
Use of lighthouses.
1. Escort lights.
Lighthouses are tower-shaped luminous lighthouses built near key parts of the waterway.
2. Geographical coordinates.
With the rapid development of science and technology, the establishment of integrated navigation systems such as radar transponders, DGPS systems, and AIS ship automatic identification systems, the navigation function of lighthouses is getting weaker and weaker, and the navigation value is declining every day.
3. Military defense.
The lighthouse also had military uses in the past, for coastal defense observation, etc.
4. To declare sovereignty.
In disputed waters, lighthouses, outposts, and boundary markers are often regarded as symbols of sovereignty.
Famous lighthouse.
Enoshima Lighthouse. (Japan)
The Enoshima Lighthouse in Japan was restored in 2003, and the lighthouse produces an amazing view at night. The lighting changes color at night, and it's hard not to notice it on a dark night.
Promthep Cape Lighthouse. ( Thailand)
It is one of the newest lighthouses in the world, with a peculiar appearance and a solid gold top.
It was built in 1996 in honor of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. You can find it on the southern coast of Phuket and it is also one of the main tourist attractions in Thailand.
Madang Lighthouse. (Papua New Guinea)
This lighthouse still in use was built in 1959 and is known as a coast watcher's monument.
Its shape is that of a giant torch, and the four tail wings make it look like a rocket again.
It is a lighthouse that guides ships or points to dangerous areas, and the fire on the tower is the hope of sailing and represents a safe harbor.
The lighthouse illuminates the way for all who sail at night.
The lighthouse silently waits for the ships coming and going, and the responsibility is heavy.