Description
Calculate shortest signed angular separation with an explicit half-turn tie policy.
Distance calculations require a metric, coordinate convention, unit basis and tie policy. Selecting the nearer endpoint differs from computing distance to the full segment. A circular shortest-angle difference also needs an explicit choice between equally short positive and negative half turns.
Calculate shortest signed angular separation with an explicit half-turn tie policy.
When to use this tool
Use Angular Distance Half Turn Tie Policy when you already have firstDegrees, secondDegrees, positiveHalfturn and need to calculate shortest signed angular separation with an explicit half-turn tie policy.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter firstDegrees, secondDegrees, positiveHalfturn. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read signedShortestDegrees. Use the output convention below.
Reduce each angle modulo 360, subtract, wrap into [-180,180], then map either antipodal result to +180 or -180 as positiveHalfturn selects.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| firstDegrees | First Degrees | Required. Finite number. |
| secondDegrees | Second Degrees | Required. Finite number. |
| positiveHalfturn | Choose +180 for either antipodal tie when true; otherwise choose -180. | Required. Boolean. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| signedShortestDegrees | Signed Shortest Degrees | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"firstDegrees": 350,
"secondDegrees": 10,
"positiveHalfturn": true
},
"output": {
"signedShortestDegrees": 20
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Angles may be signed or outside one revolution. This is a circular scalar difference, not spherical distance, a bearing calculation or a physical rotation choice.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use the actual coordinates and intended metric when geometric distance is required. Preserve reference normalization and angular tie conventions in the full calculation; supplied endpoint distances or squared-norm residuals do not establish the underlying geometry.
References
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