GPS Coordinate Distance Calculator
Example Data Table
| Start Place | End Place | Latitude 1 | Longitude 1 | Latitude 2 | Longitude 2 | Approx Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Los Angeles | 40.7128 | -74.0060 | 34.0522 | -118.2437 | 3935.746 km |
| London | Paris | 51.5074 | -0.1278 | 48.8566 | 2.3522 | 343.556 km |
| Tokyo | Sydney | 35.6762 | 139.6503 | -33.8688 | 151.2093 | 7826.615 km |
Formula Used
This calculator uses the haversine formula for great circle distance.
a = sin²(Δlat / 2) + cos(lat1) × cos(lat2) × sin²(Δlon / 2)
c = 2 × asin(sqrt(a))
d = R × c
In these formulas, latitude and longitude are converted with deg2rad. R is the selected earth radius. d is the surface distance. c is the central angle in radians.
How To Use This Calculator
- Enter the first latitude and longitude pair.
- Enter the second latitude and longitude pair.
- Choose kilometers, miles, or nautical miles.
- Select the earth radius model.
- Add an average speed for travel time.
- Press Calculate Distance.
- Review the result above the form.
- Download CSV or PDF when needed.
About GPS Distance Calculation
Why GPS Distance Matters
GPS coordinates describe a point on earth. Each point uses latitude and longitude. Latitude measures north or south position. Longitude measures east or west position. A distance calculator turns these two coordinate pairs into a useful route estimate. This is helpful for maps, surveys, delivery planning, field notes, and travel logs.
Great Circle Method
Earth is curved. A straight flat map calculation can create error. The haversine method follows a great circle path. That path is the shortest surface path between two points. The calculator converts degree values into radians before using trigonometric functions. This makes the asin, sqrt, sin, and cos operations correct.
Advanced Options
The calculator includes several useful options. You can choose kilometers, miles, or nautical miles. You can also choose mean, equatorial, or polar earth radius. The mean radius is a balanced choice for most locations. The equatorial model can help near the equator. The polar model can help near polar regions.
Reading The Output
The main result shows surface distance. The central angle shows the angular gap between both points from earth center. The chord distance shows a direct line through earth. It is not a travel path. It is included for advanced comparison. Travel time divides distance by average speed. Use realistic speed values.
Accuracy Notes
Haversine results are strong for common distance work. Still, earth is not a perfect sphere. Elevation, roads, restricted paths, and terrain are not included. For hiking, driving, and aviation, use this result as a clean mathematical estimate. For legal surveys, use professional geodesic tools and verified control points.
FAQs
What does this GPS distance calculator do?
It calculates surface distance between two latitude and longitude points. It uses the haversine formula with asin, sqrt, sin, cos, and degree to radian conversion.
Which coordinates can I enter?
You can enter decimal latitude and longitude values. Latitude must be between -90 and 90. Longitude must be between -180 and 180.
Why does the formula use deg2rad?
Trigonometric functions need radians. GPS coordinates are usually written in degrees. The calculator converts degrees to radians before applying sine and cosine operations.
What is the best earth model?
The mean earth radius works well for most tasks. Equatorial and polar radius options are useful when you want model comparisons for special locations.
Is this the same as road distance?
No. It measures shortest surface distance on a curved earth model. Road distance can be longer because roads, turns, terrain, and routes matter.
What is chord distance?
Chord distance is the direct line through the earth between two points. It is shorter than surface distance and is mainly useful for comparison.
Can I download my result?
Yes. After calculation, you can download the result as a CSV file or PDF file. Both include the main distance and related values.
Can I use nautical miles?
Yes. Select nautical miles from the unit menu. This is useful for marine and aviation distance checks.