23/09/2022
A rhumb line is a curve that crosses each meridian at the same angle.
This curve is also referred to as a loxodrome (from the Greek loxos, slanted, and drome, path).
Although a great circle is a shortest path, it is difficult to navigate because your bearing (or azimuth) continuously changes as you proceed. Following a rhumb line covers more distance than following a geodesic, but it is easier to navigate.
All parallels, including the equator, are rhumb lines, since they cross all meridians at 90°. Additionally, all meridians are rhumb lines, in addition to being great circles.
A rhumb line always spirals toward one of the poles, unless its azimuth is true east, west, north, or south, in which case the rhumb line closes on itself to form a parallel of latitude (small circle) or a pair of antipodal meridians.
The above figure depicts a great circle and one possible rhumb line connecting two distant locations.
📌 Follow .expertise for more content like this.
A good pilot is always learning!
