Boston to Lisbon in Spain.
Great Circle Track 3170M
Rhumb Line Track 3237M
Referenced from "The Oxford Companion to Ships & the Sea".
Please advise if I was departing Boston for Lisbon using GPS WGS84 would the GPS give a distance of 3170M or 3237M?
Thanks
Mike
To determine the distance between Boston and Lisbon using GPS WGS84, we need to understand the difference between a Great Circle Track and a Rhumb Line Track.
- Great Circle Track: It is the shortest path between two points on the surface of a sphere, such as the Earth. A Great Circle Track follows the arc of a great circle, which is the intersection of a sphere and a plane that passes through its center. This track represents the true shortest distance between two points on the Earth's surface.
- Rhumb Line Track: Also known as a loxodrome, it is a path on the surface of a sphere that crosses all meridians of longitude at the same angle. This track represents a constant compass direction, making it easier to navigate but is not the shortest distance between two points.
Based on the information you provided, the Great Circle Track distance is stated as 3170M, while the Rhumb Line Track distance is stated as 3237M.
If you were departing from Boston for Lisbon using GPS WGS84 coordinates, the GPS would typically give you the Great Circle Track distance of 3170M. GPS systems usually calculate distances using the Great Circle Track, as it represents the truest distance between two points on the Earth.
However, it's important to note that actual distances may vary due to factors like the specific route taken, deviations caused by air or sea traffic, weather conditions, and the accuracy of the GPS system itself.
In conclusion, if you were using GPS WGS84, the GPS would commonly provide a distance of 3170M as the Great Circle Track, representing the shortest path between Boston and Lisbon on the Earth's surface.