Loxodromic navigation explained

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.

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

Notes and References

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