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When we talk about distances at sea, we don’t use kilometers or land miles, but the nautical mile, a fundamental unit of measurement in maritime navigation. But why is this unit used, and what makes it so special?
In this article, we explain exactly what a nautical mile is, its equivalence, origin, and the reason it remains the standard measurement in the nautical world.
The nautical mile is a distance unit used internationally in maritime and air navigation. It is exactly equivalent to:
This measurement is based on the Earth’s circumference: one nautical mile equals one minute of latitude along the Earth’s surface.
The nautical mile fits perfectly with navigation systems based on geographic coordinates. Since the Earth is divided into degrees, minutes, and seconds, measuring distances in nautical miles allows routes and positions to be calculated more precisely on nautical charts.
This simplifies navigation with nautical charts, making it easier to estimate distances and travel times at sea.
Kilometer: Unit of the metric system, commonly used on land.
Land mile: Used in Anglo-Saxon countries, equivalent to 1,609 meters.
Nautical mile: Longer, adapted to navigation due to its direct relation to latitude.
Related to the nautical mile is the knot, which is the unit of speed in navigation.
One knot equals one nautical mile per hour.
The nautical mile is not just a unit of measurement; it is a key tool for precise and safe navigation. Its use facilitates the interpretation of nautical charts, route planning, and international communication in the maritime and aeronautical world.
📋 To help you understand it quickly and clearly, we provide a downloadable infographic with the key points about the nautical mile. Perfect to take on board or keep handy as a reference during navigation.
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