Flight and Distance Calculator

Great Circle (Haversine) Distance Formula:

\[ d = 2r \times \arcsin\left(\sqrt{\sin^2\left(\frac{\Delta\phi}{2}\right) + \cos(\phi_1) \times \cos(\phi_2) \times \sin^2\left(\frac{\Delta\lambda}{2}\right)}\right) \]

Latitude 1:

degrees

Longitude 1:

degrees

Latitude 2:

degrees

Longitude 2:

degrees

Distance:

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1. What is Great Circle Distance?

The Great Circle Distance, calculated using the Haversine formula, represents the shortest distance between two points on the surface of a sphere. For Earth, this gives the shortest flight path between two locations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Haversine formula:

\[ d = 2r \times \arcsin\left(\sqrt{\sin^2\left(\frac{\Delta\phi}{2}\right) + \cos(\phi_1) \times \cos(\phi_2) \times \sin^2\left(\frac{\Delta\lambda}{2}\right)}\right) \]

Where:

\( d \) — Distance in kilometers
\( r \) — Earth's radius (6371 km)
\( \phi_1, \phi_2 \) — Latitude of points 1 and 2 in radians
\( \lambda_1, \lambda_2 \) — Longitude of points 1 and 2 in radians
\( \Delta\phi \) — Difference in latitude
\( \Delta\lambda \) — Difference in longitude

Explanation: The formula accounts for Earth's curvature to calculate the shortest path between two points on a sphere.

3. Importance of Distance Calculation

Details: Great circle distance is essential for aviation, navigation, and logistics planning. It provides the most efficient route for flights and shipping.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter coordinates in decimal degrees. Latitude ranges from -90° to 90°, longitude from -180° to 180°. Positive values for North/East, negative for South/West.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use Great Circle Distance instead of straight line?
A: Great Circle accounts for Earth's curvature, providing the actual shortest path on the globe, unlike a straight line through the Earth.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: Very accurate for most purposes. Assumes Earth is a perfect sphere (actual shape is an oblate spheroid).

Q3: Can I use this for driving distance?
A: No, this calculates straight-line flight distance. Driving distance depends on roads and terrain.

Q4: What coordinate format should I use?
A: Use decimal degrees (e.g., 40.7128, -74.0060 for New York). Convert from DMS if necessary.

Q5: Does this account for altitude differences?
A: No, this calculates surface distance only. Altitude differences are negligible for most flight calculations.