Use this geospatial calculation for a first-pass distance, bearing, destination, or bounding result when coordinates, angular units, datum, and Earth model are stated consistently.

From

Origin coordinate in decimal degrees.

To

Destination coordinate in decimal degrees.

Compute the initial compass bearing between two coordinates clockwise from true north. The tool evaluates the supplied inputs together and returns the named outputs below; it does not infer omitted operating conditions or change the units shown.^[1]

Bearing (°)

Initial heading clockwise from true north.

• Spherical formulas approximate the Earth and can differ from ellipsoidal geodesics, especially over long or near-antipodal paths. Coordinate order, longitude wrapping, poles, datums, altitude, and projected versus geographic coordinates require care.
• Use finite inputs in the displayed units and preserve more precision than the final presentation requires. Independently verify safety-critical, financial, compliance, or production decisions.

Use an ellipsoidal geodesic library and an explicit CRS for survey or high-accuracy work, and visualize results to catch coordinate-order or antimeridian errors.

• Haversine Distance

  Compute the great-circle distance between two coordinates with the haversine formula.

• Destination Point

  Project a starting coordinate along a bearing and great-circle distance to its destination point.

• Shift Rate Calculator

  Compute the signed rate of the shortest compass-direction change between two mean wind headings, correctly handling the wrap across north.