# Bearing Calculator Calculate the bearing (azimuth) between two coordinates on Earth > Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/bearing-calculator - **Category:** Geography - **Keywords:** bearing, azimuth, direction, angle, navigation, coordinates, heading ## Overview The Bearing Calculator computes the azimuth, or bearing angle, between two geographic coordinates on Earth using latitude and longitude. It provides precise directional measurements for navigation, mapping, and geographic analysis. ## Inputs - **Start Latitude** (number): Enter starting latitude (-90 to 90) - **Start Longitude** (number): Enter starting longitude (-180 to 180) - **End Latitude** (number): Enter destination latitude (-90 to 90) - **End Longitude** (number): Enter destination longitude (-180 to 180) - **Unit System** (select) - **Output Format** (select) ## When to use - When determining the initial heading for travel between two locations, such as in flight planning or hiking. - For calculating directions in geographic information systems (GIS) or cartography projects. - In educational contexts to demonstrate navigation principles and coordinate geometry. ## How it works - Enter the starting latitude and longitude coordinates within the valid ranges (-90 to 90 for latitude, -180 to 180 for longitude). - Enter the destination latitude and longitude coordinates similarly. - Select the desired unit system (e.g., degrees, kilometers, miles) and output format (e.g., decimal degrees, compass direction). - The tool calculates the bearing angle using spherical trigonometry and displays the result based on your selections. ## Use cases - Aviation: Pilots calculate bearings to plan flight routes between airports or waypoints. - Outdoor Recreation: Hikers and geocachers determine bearings to navigate between trailheads and destinations. - Surveying: Surveyors use bearings to establish directions for land measurement and mapping projects. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a bearing or azimuth? A bearing is the angle measured clockwise from north between two points on Earth, indicating the direction from one location to another. ### How accurate is the bearing calculation? The calculation assumes a spherical Earth model and is accurate for most practical navigation and mapping purposes. ### What coordinate formats are supported? Coordinates must be entered in decimal degrees, with latitude from -90 to 90 and longitude from -180 to 180. ### Can this tool be used for aviation or marine navigation? Yes, it provides bearings useful for planning, but always cross-reference with official navigation charts and instruments for safety. ### What output formats are available? 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