Calculate Bearing Between Two Coordinates

Bearing Formula:

\[ \text{Bearing} = \arctan2(\sin(\Delta\text{lon}) \cdot \cos(\text{lat}_2), \cos(\text{lat}_1) \cdot \sin(\text{lat}_2) - \sin(\text{lat}_1) \cdot \cos(\text{lat}_2) \cdot \cos(\Delta\text{lon})) \]

Latitude 1:

degrees

Longitude 1:

degrees

Latitude 2:

degrees

Longitude 2:

degrees

Bearing:

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1. What is Bearing Calculation?

Bearing calculation determines the direction from one geographic point to another, measured in degrees clockwise from true north. It's essential for navigation, surveying, and various geospatial applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the bearing formula:

Where:

\( \text{lat}_1, \text{lon}_1 \) — Coordinates of the starting point (degrees)
\( \text{lat}_2, \text{lon}_2 \) — Coordinates of the destination point (degrees)
\( \Delta\text{lon} \) — Difference in longitude between the two points (radians)
\( \arctan2 \) — Two-argument arctangent function that preserves quadrant information

Explanation: The formula calculates the initial bearing (forward azimuth) from the start point to the destination point along a great-circle path.

3. Importance of Bearing Calculation

Details: Bearing calculation is crucial for navigation systems, GPS applications, surveying, marine navigation, aviation, and any application requiring direction finding between two geographic points.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter coordinates in decimal degrees format. Positive values for north latitude and east longitude, negative values for south latitude and west longitude. For example, New York City is approximately 40.7128° N, -74.0060° W.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between bearing and heading?
A: Bearing refers to the direction to a destination, while heading is the direction a vehicle or person is facing. They may differ due to wind, currents, or other factors.

Q2: Does this calculation account for Earth's curvature?
A: Yes, the formula calculates the initial bearing along a great circle path, which is the shortest distance between two points on a sphere.

Q3: What is the range of possible bearing values?
A: Bearing is measured in degrees from 0° to 360°, where 0° is true north, 90° is east, 180° is south, and 270° is west.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise for a spherical Earth model. For extremely precise applications, ellipsoidal models may be needed.

Q5: Can I use this for long-distance navigation?
A: Yes, but note that the bearing changes along a great circle route (rhumb line navigation maintains constant bearing but is longer).