Glossary
Travel & Geography
Haversine Formula
Definition
A mathematical formula used to calculate the great-circle distance between two points on a sphere given their latitude and longitude. Essential for computing flight distances.
Related Terms
Great Circle
The shortest path between two points on the surface of a sphere, following the curve of the Earth. Aircraft follow great circle routes for fuel efficiency on long-haul flights.
Nautical Mile
A unit of distance used in aviation and maritime navigation, equal to approximately 1.852 kilometers or 1.151 statute miles. Based on one minute of latitude on the Earth's surface.
Latitude
The angular distance of a point north or south of the equator, measured in degrees from 0 (equator) to 90 (poles). Combined with longitude, it specifies any location on Earth.