Loxodromic navigation

Rhumb line navigation path: β = constant

Loxodromic navigation (from Greek λοξóς, oblique, and δρóμος, path) is a method of navigation by following a rhumb line, a curve on the surface of the Earth that follows the same angle at the intersection with each meridian. This serves to maintain a steady course in sailing.^[1]

Navigating on a spherical surface with a fixed course ($\beta$ in the figure) results in a spiral path that approaches the North Pole for courses ranging from 270º to 090º and the South Pole for courses from 090º to 270º. On a nautical chart plotted according to the Mercator projection, a loxodromic course appears as a straight line.

Comparison Chart

Comparison, of orthodromic course (white) compared with a loxodromic course (red).

See also

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

References

1. Adam Weintrit; Tomasz Neumann (7 June 2011). Methods and Algorithms in Navigation: Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation. CRC Press. pp. 139–. ISBN 978-0-415-69114-7.

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

External links

• algorithms/ assistance program for loxodromic navigation