Loxodromic navigation

Loxodromic navigation (from Greek λοξóς, oblique, and δρóμος, path) is a method of navigation by following a rhumb line, a curve on the surface of the Earth that follows the same angle at the intersection with each meridian. This serves to maintain a steady course in sailing.^[1]

Rhumb line navigation path: β = constant

Navigating on a spherical surface with a fixed course (${\displaystyle \beta }$ in the figure) results in a spiral path that approaches the North Pole for courses ranging from 270º to 090º and the South Pole for courses from 090º to 270º. On a nautical chart plotted according to the Mercator projection, a loxodromic course appears as a straight line.

Comparison Chart

Comparison of orthodromic course (white) compared with a loxodromic course (red) in a map using Mercator projection.

See also

• Great circle navigation
• Windrose network
• Map
• Portolan map
• Marine sandglass
• Compass rose
• Isoazimuthal