Description
Calculate a point's left-positive distance from a directed straight path line.
Precision-agriculture records separate spatial reference versions, quality-code sources, calibration factors and target prescriptions. A cross-track error needs a directed planar line, while pulse counts require a compatible volume-per-pulse factor. Local map differences and overlap widths do not select a treatment, control machinery or establish positioning accuracy.
Calculate a point's left-positive distance from a directed straight path line.
When to use this tool
Use Guidance Cross Track Error when you already have pathStartX, pathStartY, pathEndX, pathEndY, pointX, pointY and need to calculate a point's left-positive distance from a directed straight path line.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter pathStartX, pathStartY, pathEndX, pathEndY, pointX, pointY. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read leftPositiveDistance. Use the output convention below.
Require distinct path endpoints; divide the 2D cross product of path direction and point offset by path length.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| pathStartX | Path Start X | Required. Finite number. |
| pathStartY | Path Start Y | Required. Finite number. |
| pathEndX | Path End X | Required. Finite number. |
| pathEndY | Path End Y | Required. Finite number. |
| pointX | Point X | Required. Finite number. |
| pointY | Point Y | Required. Finite number. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| leftPositiveDistance | Perpendicular signed distance to the infinite directed path line, not a finite segment. | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"pathStartX": 0,
"pathStartY": 0,
"pathEndX": 10,
"pathEndY": 0,
"pointX": 3,
"pointY": 2
},
"output": {
"leftPositiveDistance": 2
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Uses planar coordinates and the infinite supporting line, not the nearest finite segment or geodesic; no steering or safe route is selected.
- 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 original georeferenced map, calibrated meter and verified machine geometry for field decisions. A full guidance or application analysis must include coordinate system, path extent and equipment constraints beyond one signed offset or overlap width.
References
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