Flight Travel Distance Calculator

Great Circle Distance Formula:

\[ Distance = 2R \arcsin\left(\sqrt{\sin^2\left(\frac{\Delta lat}{2}\right) + \cos(lat_1) \cos(lat_2) \sin^2\left(\frac{\Delta lon}{2}\right)}\right) \]

Latitude 1:

degrees

Longitude 1:

degrees

Latitude 2:

degrees

Longitude 2:

degrees

Distance Unit:

Great Circle Distance:

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1. What is Great Circle Distance?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Haversine formula:

\[ Distance = 2R \arcsin\left(\sqrt{\sin^2\left(\frac{\Delta lat}{2}\right) + \cos(lat_1) \cos(lat_2) \sin^2\left(\frac{\Delta lon}{2}\right)}\right) \]

Where:

\( R \) — Earth's radius (6371 km or 3959 miles)
\( lat_1, lat_2 \) — Latitude coordinates in radians
\( lon_1, lon_2 \) — Longitude coordinates in radians
\( \Delta lat \) — Difference in latitude
\( \Delta lon \) — Difference in longitude

Explanation: The formula accounts for Earth's spherical shape to calculate the shortest path between two points on its surface.

3. Importance of Great Circle Distance

Details: Great circle distance is essential for aviation and maritime navigation, providing the most fuel-efficient routes. It's also used in geography, GPS systems, and logistics planning.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter latitude and longitude coordinates in decimal degrees. Valid ranges: latitude -90 to 90, longitude -180 to 180. Select preferred distance unit (kilometers or miles).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is great circle distance shorter than straight line on maps?
A: Most maps use projections that distort distances. Great circle follows Earth's curvature, providing the true shortest path.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: Very accurate for most practical purposes, assuming perfect spherical Earth. Actual Earth is slightly ellipsoidal, but difference is minimal for most applications.

Q3: Can I use this for driving distance?
A: No, this calculates straight-line distance. Driving distance follows roads and terrain, usually being longer.

Q4: What's the maximum possible distance on Earth?
A: Approximately 20,000 km (12,450 miles) - half the Earth's circumference.

Q5: How do I convert addresses to coordinates?
A: Use geocoding services like Google Maps API or GPS coordinates from mapping applications.