Spherical Trigonometry - Examples & Applications

Interactive Simulators

Interactive Spherical Triangle Visualizer

Interact with a spherical triangle on a 3D globe to visualize how its sides are defined by central angles.

Point P Latitude (φ):30°

Point P Longitude (λ):45°

Rotate X View:20°

Rotate Y View:30°

Spherical Triangle N-P-O:
- Side NP = Colatitude (90° - φ)
- Side NO = 90°
- Angle at N = Longitude (λ)

Solved Problems

Problem 1: In a right spherical triangle

ABC

with

C=90^\circ

, given

a = 40^\circ

and

b = 60^\circ

, find side

c

0 of 4 Steps Completed

Problem 2: Find the shortest distance (great circle distance) between Manila (

14^\circ35' \text{ N}

120^\circ59' \text{ E}

) and San Francisco (

37^\circ46' \text{ N}

122^\circ26' \text{ W}

). Assume Earth's radius

R = 6371 \text{ km}

0 of 5 Steps Completed