Convert nautical mile (international) to Earth polar radius Online | Free Length Converter

Nautical Mile (International)


A nautical mile (international) is a unit of measurement used primarily in maritime and aviation contexts. It is defined as 1,852 meters or 1.852 kilometers, which is approximately 1.1508 statute miles. The nautical mile is based on the Earth's geometry, representing one minute of latitude along any meridian. This makes it particularly useful for navigation, as distances on charts and GPS systems often relate directly to degrees of latitude and longitude. The international nautical mile was officially adopted by the United States in 1954 and is now used worldwide for consistency in global navigation. It is closely linked with the knot, a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour. The standardization of the nautical mile has greatly simplified communication and coordination in international travel, trade, and defense across oceans and airspace. Its use continues to be essential in global navigation systems today.


Earth Polar Radius


The Earth's polar radius is the distance from the center of the Earth to the North or South Pole. It measures the Earth’s radius along its rotational axis.



  • Its value is approximately 6,356.8 kilometers (about 3,949.9 miles).



  • The Earth is an oblate spheroid, so the polar radius is slightly shorter than the equatorial radius due to the planet's flattening at the poles.



  • This measurement is crucial for geodesy, understanding Earth’s shape, and satellite navigation.



Key facts:



  • Polar radius ≈ 6,356.8 km



  • Smaller than equatorial radius by about 21.3 km



  • Important for precise Earth modeling and mapping



The difference between the polar and equatorial radius reflects the Earth’s rotation and its effect on the planet’s shape.




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