Finding a New GPS Coordinate Between Two Lines on a Sphere

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the problem of finding a new GPS coordinate that lies on a line between two existing lines on the surface of a sphere, specifically in the context of GPS coordinates representing points on Earth. The focus is on geometric relationships and the representation of curves on a spherical surface.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the problem of creating a new line with a gradient between two existing lines defined by three GPS coordinates on a sphere.
  • Another participant points out that three GPS coordinates create three lines, not two, and questions the significance of one of the points.
  • A suggestion is made to create a midpoint between two of the coordinates to establish a new line.
  • Another participant introduces the idea of considering triangulations on the sphere as part of the solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of the problem, particularly regarding the number of lines created by the three points and the significance of the coordinates. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing approaches presented.

Contextual Notes

There are potential limitations regarding the assumptions made about the spherical nature of the Earth and the mathematical steps required to find the new coordinate. The discussion does not resolve these aspects.

frostfat
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Hi, I have an interesting problem.

I have three GPS coordinates, creating two lines across the surface of a sphere (assuming the Earth is spherical). I want to be able to create a new line (across the surface of a sphere) with a gradient that is in between the gradient of the two existing lines, and intersects with one of the coordinates.

On this new line, I want to find a new coordinate, which I can use to represent the new curve. The result should be the new coordinate, not the equation of the new curve.

https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1p9P3dzvI_shRHTEI0rxvundkW5Mvij1CRsbIlx2uGAU/edit?usp=sharing, not representing the curved nature of the sphere. All lines are to be crossing the surface of the globe, and maintaining the GPS structure.

Thanks in advance for any help! :)
 
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I am curious: three GPS coodinates will create three lines, not two - one for each pair of points.
Of the three, what makes the upper right point special?I'm going to label your points, clockwise from upper right.
x0y0, x1y1, x2y2.

To bisect lines x0y0, - x2y2 and x1y1 - x0y0,
simply create a point x3y3 midway between x1y1 and x2y2.
Now draw your new line from x0y0 - x3y3
 
Last edited:
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Likes   Reactions: jim mcnamara and frostfat
This is exactly what I was looking for, thanks for such a simple but effective answer.
 
I suggest you to consider the problem of generate appropriate triangulations on the sphere ...
 

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