Great Circle Question: How to Get All Points?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining all the points that lie on a great circle defined by two given points on a sphere, focusing on methods to achieve this. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and geometric concepts related to spherical coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for help in finding all points on a great circle given two points defined by latitude and longitude.
  • Another participant inquires about the information provided regarding the great circle.
  • A participant clarifies that the two points represent the start and end points of the great circle arc.
  • One suggestion involves rotating the sphere to simplify the problem, positioning one point at the north pole and the other along a specific axis, then determining the points before rotating back.
  • Another participant introduces an alternative method, stating that the two points and the center of the sphere define a plane that intersects the sphere, forming a great circle.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple approaches to the problem, indicating that there is no consensus on a single method for determining all points on the great circle.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not specified assumptions regarding the coordinate system or the precision of the points, which may affect the methods discussed.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in spherical geometry, navigation, or mathematical modeling of great circles may find this discussion relevant.

hussainak
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Hi all,

I'm trying to figure out how to get all the points that lie on a great circle. Could anybody help me with this please ?
 
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Given what information? How are you given the great circle?
 
If I'm gven two points with it's lat/lon
 
The two points are the start point and the end point. I need to know all the points thru which the great circle arc would pass thru.
 
Rotate the sphere twice, so that one point is the north pole and the other point lies on the great circle connecting (0,0,1) to (1,0,0). Figure out the points, then rotate back.
 
Welcome to PF!

Hi hussainak! Welcome to PF! :smile:

Another method: the two points and the centre of the sphere define a plane.

That plane intersects the sphere in a great circle. :wink:
 

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