Find distance between two points on Earth

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods to calculate the distance between two geographical points on Earth, specifically using latitude and longitude coordinates. Participants explore various approaches, including mathematical models and practical tools, while addressing the complexities involved in such calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a great circle method to find the distance between the specified coordinates.
  • Another participant provides a link to a tool for calculating distances based on latitude and longitude.
  • A different participant expresses a desire for a more accessible treatment of the subject, indicating a preference for clarity over technical complexity.
  • One participant calculates the distance as approximately 0.00115 miles or 6.076 feet.
  • Another participant warns about the need to convert decimal minutes to minutes and seconds for accurate calculations.
  • Some participants emphasize that the flattening of the Earth complicates the calculations, particularly for spheroids or ellipsoids, suggesting that simpler methods may not yield the most accurate results but could suffice for short distances.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on how to approach the distance calculation, with no consensus on a single method or solution. Some prefer practical tools, while others focus on mathematical derivations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for conversions between coordinate formats and the complexities introduced by the Earth's shape, which may affect accuracy in distance calculations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in geographical calculations, navigation, or those seeking to understand the mathematical principles behind distance measurement on Earth.

Mk
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How could you find the distance between two points, such as
N12° 34.567 W12° 34.567
and
N12° 34.568 W12° 34.567?
 
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Wow, how interesting, i didn't see this thread when i posted mine.

Anyway, i guess my treatment of the subject is quite accessible.

Daniel.
 
0.0011506641413132668 miles
or 6.076 feet
 
Last edited:
Mk said:
How could you find the distance between two points, such as
N12° 34.567 W12° 34.567
and
N12° 34.568 W12° 34.567?
Be careful though, becasue you have a mixed lat long.. you have to convert the decimal of minutes to minutes and seconds. 34.567 minutes = 34 Minutes 34.02 seconds(.567 * 60)..
 
Guys, I wanted to know how I could get the answer, not for you to tell me or give me an app to do do it for me.
 
"Unfortunately, the flattening of the Earth cannot be taken into account in this simple derivation, since the problem is considerably more complicated for a spheroid or ellipsoid (each of which has a radius which is a function of latitude). This leads to extremely complicated expressions for oblate spheroid geodesics and geodesics on other ellipsoids."
So you won't get the most accurate solutions; but that's no problem if dealing with relatively short distances.
 

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