The arc length of one degree change in latitude is very, very close to constant everywhere on the non-spherical surface of the Earth. The reason why is that latitude of a point on the surface is not the angle subtended between the Earth's equatorial plane and the line connecting the center of the Earth and the point in question. The latitude of a point is instead the angle subtended between the Earth's equatorial plane and the line defined by the normal to an idealization of the Earth's non-spherical surface. This angle is more precisely called the geodetic latitude of the point. The word "latitude" without a qualifier means geodetic latitude.Pollock said:The distance on the ground equivalent to one degree of arc will be the same at any latitude (assuming the Earth as a perfect sphere).But this will not be so for the distance equivalent to a degree of longitude as circles of constant latitude get smaller towards the poles.How does one take account of this to calculate distance on the ground in terms of both latitude and longitude anywhereon the Earth's surface
Distance on the ground is typically measured using a unit of length, such as meters or feet. This can be done by physically measuring the distance using a measuring tool, or by using mathematical calculations based on known distances.
The formula for calculating distance on the ground is: distance = speed x time. This formula applies when the object is moving at a constant speed.
To calculate distance on the ground using a map, you will need to use a map scale. The scale will show the ratio of a distance on the map to the actual distance on the ground. You can then measure the distance on the map and use the scale to determine the actual distance on the ground.
The accuracy of distance calculations on the ground can be affected by several factors, including the precision of the measuring tool, the terrain and obstacles present, and any errors in the input data or calculations.
Scientists use distance calculations on the ground in a variety of ways, such as measuring the distance between two points to determine the speed or velocity of an object, or using distance measurements to create maps or models of a specific area. Distance calculations are also important in fields such as geology, ecology, and astronomy.