For Great Circle we have terms and definitions in 5 topics. The topics are Astrology, Ham Radio, Nautical, Physical Geography and Surf.

Great Circle (Astrology)

See Ecliptic.

Great Circle (Ham Radio)

The intersection of a plane through the center of the Earth and the surface of the Earth. The shortest distance between two points on the Earth is a great circle route. All longitudes are great circles. The only latitude that is a great circle is the Equator.

Great Circle (Nautical)

A circle drawn around the Earth such that the center of the circle is at the center of the Earth. Following such a circle plots the shortest distance between any two points on the surface of the Earth.

Great Circle (Physical Geography)

An imaginary circle drawn on the Earth's surface that has its center synchronize to the center of the planet. The equator is a great circle.

Great Circle (Surf)

The shortest distance between two points on a curved or spherical surface like the Earth, which is actually a curved line when projected on a flat surface like on a Mercator chart. These lines are called Great Circles. Swells travel in Great Circles around the Earth. As an example, if you take a string and extend it between two points on a globe, you can see a good representation of a Great Circle.

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