Grid Reference Distance Calculator

Formula

The formula to calculate the Distance (D) between two points is:

\[ D = \sqrt{(E_2 - E_1)^2 + (N_2 - N_1)^2} \]

Where:

\(D\) is the distance between the two points
\(E_1\) is the Eastings coordinate of the first point
\(N_1\) is the Northings coordinate of the first point
\(E_2\) is the Eastings coordinate of the second point
\(N_2\) is the Northings coordinate of the second point

What is a Grid Reference?

A grid reference is a system used to pinpoint a location on a map by using a set of coordinates. These coordinates are typically given as Eastings and Northings, which represent the distance east and north, respectively, from a defined origin point. Grid references are commonly used in mapping and navigation to accurately describe the position of a point on the Earth's surface. They are essential in fields such as geography, cartography, and various engineering disciplines.

Example Calculation

Let's assume the following values:

Eastings of First Point (E₁) = 100
Northings of First Point (N₁) = 200
Eastings of Second Point (E₂) = 300
Northings of Second Point (N₂) = 400

Using the formula to calculate the Distance:

\[ D = \sqrt{(300 - 100)^2 + (400 - 200)^2} = \sqrt{200^2 + 200^2} = \sqrt{40000 + 40000} = \sqrt{80000} \approx 282.84 \text{ units} \]

The Distance is approximately 282.84 units.