The angular distance of a point north or south of the equator, measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds from 0 degrees at the equator to 90 degrees at the poles. Lines of latitude run east-west and are also called parallels.
Category: Navigation & Seamanship
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Great CircleThe shortest distance between two points on the surface of a sphere, formed by the intersection of the sphere with a plane passing through its center.HeadingThe direction in which a vessel's bow is pointed at any given moment, measured in degrees from north.KnotA unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour, approximately 1.852 kilometres per hour or 1.151 miles per hour.Lee ShoreA shore that lies downwind of a vessel, toward which the wind is blowing.LeewayThe sideways drift of a vessel from its intended course, caused by wind pushing against the hull and superstructure.Magnetic NorthThe direction indicated by a magnetic compass needle toward the earth's magnetic north pole, which differs from true north by an angle called magnetic variation or declination.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026