Loxodromic navigation

Loxodromic navigation(fromGreekλοξóς,oblique, andδρóμος,path) is a method of navigation by following arhumb line,a curve on the surface of theEarththat follows the same angle at the intersection with eachmeridian.This serves to maintain a steady course in sailing.

Rhumb line navigation path: β = constant

Navigating on a spherical surface with a fixedcourse($\beta$in the figure) results in a spiral path that approaches theNorth Polefor courses ranging from 270º to 090º and theSouth Polefor courses from 090º to 270º. On anautical chartplotted according to theMercator projection,a loxodromic course appears as a straight line.

Comparison Chart

Comparison oforthodromiccourse (white) compared with aloxodromiccourse (red) in a map usingMercator projection.

See also

• Great circle navigation
• Windrose network
• Map
• Portolan map
• Marine sandglass
• Compass rose
• Isoazimuthal

References

• http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=6233256

External links

• algorithms/ assistance program for loxodromic navigation