Distance Calculator By Coordinates

Distance Formula:

\[ d = \sqrt{(lon2 - lon1)^2 + (lat2 - lat1)^2} \times R \]

Longitude 1:

degrees

Latitude 1:

degrees

Longitude 2:

degrees

Latitude 2:

degrees

Earth Radius:

Distance:

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1. What is Distance Calculation By Coordinates?

The distance between two points on Earth's surface can be calculated using their latitude and longitude coordinates. This method uses the haversine formula to account for the curvature of the Earth.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the haversine formula:

\[ d = 2R \times \arcsin\left(\sqrt{\sin^2\left(\frac{\Delta\phi}{2}\right) + \cos(\phi_1) \times \cos(\phi_2) \times \sin^2\left(\frac{\Delta\lambda}{2}\right)}\right) \]

Where:

\( \phi_1, \lambda_1 \) — Latitude and longitude of point 1
\( \phi_2, \lambda_2 \) — Latitude and longitude of point 2
\( \Delta\phi \) — Difference between latitudes
\( \Delta\lambda \) — Difference between longitudes
\( R \) — Earth's radius (mean radius = 6371 km)

Explanation: The formula calculates the great-circle distance between two points on a sphere from their longitudes and latitudes.

3. Importance of Distance Calculation

Details: Accurate distance calculation is crucial for navigation, geography, logistics, and many scientific applications where precise measurements between locations are needed.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter coordinates in decimal degrees format (e.g., 40.7128° N = 40.7128). Positive values for North/East, negative for South/West. Standard Earth radius is 6371 km.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: Very accurate for most practical purposes, assuming a spherical Earth. For extreme precision, ellipsoidal models are better.

Q2: What coordinate format should I use?
A: Decimal degrees are preferred (e.g., 34.0522° instead of 34°3'8"). Convert DMS to decimal if needed.

Q3: Can I use negative values for coordinates?
A: Yes, negative values represent South (latitude) and West (longitude).

Q4: What's the maximum distance this can calculate?
A: The formula works for any distance but becomes less accurate for antipodal points (exactly opposite sides of Earth).

Q5: Why does Earth radius matter?
A: Earth isn't a perfect sphere. Polar radius is 6357 km, equatorial 6378 km. 6371 km is the average.