Longitude and Latitude to Distances

Hemib

Hi,

How can I calculate the longitudinal and lateral displacement from the longitude and latitude in degrees from a GPS.

Thx!

JaredJames

Not easily.

When it comes to a globe, the values at the equator are at their maximum whilst they tend to zero towards the poles.

You would need to allow for this in order to gain meaningful data. From the outset, it looks rather complex for the purpose you require.

berkeman

Google is your friend

http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...ulate+distance

.

JaredJames

Ooh, nice. Someone's built the calculator for you.

I think GIYF should become the PF motto!

Hemib

Thanks for reactions!

I now have a formula to calculate the travelled distance between two points. But I want to split this in a lateral and longitudinal distance. So what I have is an right triangle with the calculated distance equals the hypotenuse. What I want are the distances over the other 2 legs of the triangle.

My GPS signal gives me the course I'm heading. Is this the angle in triangle between the hypotenuse and the lateral distance? If it is, I can easy calculate the other 2 legs with sinus and cosinus.

Thx