In time, distance, and speed problems when piloting a boat, how is distance expressed?

In navigation, particularly when piloting a boat, distance is expressed in nautical miles. Nautical miles are fundamentally based on the circumference of the Earth and are defined as one minute of latitude. This makes them particularly relevant and useful for maritime operations because they provide a direct correlation to the Earth’s coordinates, making calculations easier when using charts based on latitude and longitude.

Using nautical miles allows for consistency in navigational calculations, especially when relating to charts and electronic navigation systems that are designed for marine environments. The other units of measurement, such as land miles, kilometers, and statute miles, are used primarily on land and do not take into account the curvature of the Earth as effectively as nautical miles do, making them less applicable in a maritime context.