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METHODS In order to construct a great circle track, the Navigator of a ship may employ several methods. Gnomonic chart A straight line drawn on this chart would represent a great circle track. When this is transferred to a Mercator chart, it becomes a curve. The positions are transferred at a convenient interval of Longitude and the this is plotted on the Mercator chart with the appropriate Latitude . Spherical Trigonometry Mathematically , it is possible to determine the distance of a great circle track between two known positions. Other features of the great circle track may also be calculated. Computer Software Software is available that allows a navigator to input a departure and arrival position to create a list of Waypoint s which follow a great circle track. Normally, such programs will also calculate the Total Distance , the distance between successive waypoints, and the courses to be followed between successive waypoints. |
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