A tool that facilitates the conversion of angular distance, typically expressed in degrees, into a linear distance, typically expressed in meters, given a specific radius or circumference. For example, knowing the radius of a circle and an arc’s angular measure, this allows for the determination of the arc’s length in metric units.
This process offers significant value across various disciplines, including surveying, navigation, and engineering. Its utility stems from the need to relate angular measurements obtained from instruments like theodolites or sextants to tangible linear distances on the ground or in physical models. Historically, methods for approximating arc lengths existed, but the implementation of precise conversion formulas provides increased accuracy and efficiency.