How many nautical miles does one minute of latitude equal?

One minute of latitude is equal to one nautical mile. This measurement arises from the definition of a nautical mile, which is based on the circumference of the Earth. The Earth is divided into degrees of latitude and longitude, with each degree further divided into 60 minutes. Since the circumference of the Earth is approximately 21,600 nautical miles (360 degrees multiplied by 60 minutes), it follows that each minute of latitude corresponds to one nautical mile.

This relationship is vital for navigation at sea, as it allows mariners to easily convert between distance and latitude when plotting courses on nautical charts. Therefore, understanding that one minute of latitude equals one nautical mile is crucial for effective navigation and helps ensure safety on the water.