Distance Between Two Places Calculator

Great-Circle Distance Formula:

\[ Distance = \sqrt{(lat_2 - lat_1)^2 + (lon_2 - lon_1)^2} \times 111 \text{ (approx km)} \]

Latitude 1:

degrees

Longitude 1:

degrees

Latitude 2:

degrees

Longitude 2:

degrees

Distance:

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1. What is Great-Circle Distance?

Great-circle distance is the shortest distance between two points on the surface of a sphere, measured along the surface. For Earth, this represents the shortest path between two locations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the great-circle distance approximation:

\[ Distance = \sqrt{(lat_2 - lat_1)^2 + (lon_2 - lon_1)^2} \times 111 \text{ (approx km)} \]

Where:

\( lat_1, lon_1 \) — Latitude and longitude of first location (degrees)
\( lat_2, lon_2 \) — Latitude and longitude of second location (degrees)
111 — Approximate kilometers per degree of latitude/longitude

Explanation: This formula provides a quick approximation of distance between two points on Earth's surface using simple coordinate differences.

3. Importance of Distance Calculation

Details: Distance calculation is essential for navigation, logistics planning, travel arrangements, and geographical analysis. It helps determine travel time, fuel requirements, and optimal routes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter latitude values between -90 and 90 degrees, longitude values between -180 and 180 degrees. Use decimal degrees format for precise calculations.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this distance calculation?
A: This provides a good approximation for short to medium distances. For precise calculations over long distances, use the Haversine formula.

Q2: What is the difference between great-circle and rhumb line distance?
A: Great-circle is the shortest path, while rhumb line maintains constant bearing. Great-circle is shorter but requires course changes.

Q3: Why multiply by 111?
A: 111 km is the approximate distance of one degree of latitude/longitude at Earth's surface, providing conversion from degrees to kilometers.

Q4: Can I use this for air travel distances?
A: Yes, this calculates the straight-line (great-circle) distance between airports, which is the basis for flight paths.

Q5: What are the limitations of this method?
A: This approximation assumes Earth is a perfect sphere and works best for distances under 1000 km. For global distances, use more complex spherical trigonometry.