Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Let me guess - some people don't understand cartographic projections? The shortest distance between two points is not a strait line on a map[1], especially when you are a long way from the equator.

[1] For most maps. Gnomic maps (image - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gnomonic_projection_SW.jpg) are designed to show the shortest distance as a straight line. I think the Dymaxion Map aka Fuller Map (image - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dymaxion_map_unfolded.png) is also OK.



The shortest distance between two points is not a strait line on a map

You're right. The shortest distance between two points lies on a 'great circle':

https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Great_circle


Well, it's easy to understand cartographic projections without necessarily having an intuitive grasp of 'em.


> a strait line on a map

Pun intentional, right? ;-)




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: