A stupid little map tool has been more valuable than all the content on my site
a day ago
- #navigation tool
- #distance calculator
- #geodesic measurement
- The 'as the crow flies' distance calculator measures the shortest straight-line distance between two points, ignoring obstacles.
- Users can input locations via search or map clicks and view distances in various units (km, miles, etc.).
- The tool displays a red dashed line to visualize the direct path between selected points.
- Real-world travel distances are longer than 'as the crow flies' due to roads, terrain, and obstacles.
- Common uses include planning, research, and personal curiosity about direct distances.
- Limitations include not accounting for elevation, Earth's curvature over long distances, or terrain obstacles.
- The calculator uses geodesic calculations for accurate measurements over the Earth's surface.