Understanding Great Circle Routes and Navigation
Why the shortest distance on Earth appears curved on maps, and how this shapes modern navigation.
Read more →
Learn about distances, maps, and navigation
Why the shortest distance on Earth appears curved on maps, and how this shapes modern navigation.
Learn about the origin and meaning of this common phrase used to describe straight-line distances.
Understand why straight-line distances differ from actual travel distances and when each measurement matters.
Different methods and tools for measuring distances on maps, from traditional to digital approaches.
Discover why flight paths curve and how great circle routes actually work in aviation.
Fun facts and surprising distances between major cities that might not be what you expect.
Use our calculator to find the straight-line distance between any two points on Earth.
Go to Calculator