A unit of distance used in maritime and air navigation equal to approximately 1,852 metres or 1.151 statute miles. One nautical mile corresponds to one minute of latitude, making it naturally suited to navigation on charts.
Category: Navigation & Seamanship
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LongitudeThe angular distance of a point east or west of the Prime Meridian at Greenwich, measured in degrees from 0 to 180.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.MeridianA great circle on the earth's surface passing through both the North and South Poles.ParallelA circle on the earth's surface formed by the intersection of a plane parallel to the equator.Port (Direction)The left-hand side of a vessel when facing forward (toward the bow).Rhumb LineA line on the earth's surface that crosses all meridians at the same angle, appearing as a straight line on a Mercator projection chart.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026