This file is from a shared repository and may be used by other projects.
The description on its file description page there is shown below.
Summary
DescriptionRhumb line vs great-circle arc.png
English: A rhumb line (blue) compared to a great-circle arc (red) between Lisbon, Portugal and Havana, Cuba. Top: orthographic projection. Bottom: Mercator projection.
The rhumb line (constant compass bearing; straight line on the Mercator projection) is slightly longer than the great-circle arc (shortest distance on the sphere), but is a close enough approximation to be used in marine navigation, especially when a chart, a magnetic compass, and the stars were the only available tools for determining position and orientation of a ship.
to share – to copy, distribute and transmit the work
to remix – to adapt the work
Under the following conditions:
attribution – You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
share alike – If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same or compatible license as the original.
A rhumb line (blue) compared to a great-circle arc (red) between Lisbon, Portugal and Havana, Cuba. Top: orthographic projection. Bottom: Mercator projection