Now that you know how to draw maps, and set markers, let's do some "map math." Let's compute
the distance between two points on the map. We'll reference the two points by their
latitude and longitude, like this $(lat_1,lng_1)$ and $(lat_2,lng_2)$.
To start, let's use Los Angeles (34.1,-118.25) and New York (40.7,-74.02).
Next, you'll need the radius of the earth (in kilometers), which is 6,371 km. To find a distance,
compute:
$\Delta lat=lat_2-lat_1$ and $\Delta lng=lng_2-lng_1$.
Remember, your latitude,longitude angles must all be in radians (radians=degrees$\times\pi/180$).
As a check, the LA-NY distance is about 2,445 miles or 3,934 km.
Make a nice map application here, that accepts your two locations as easy-to-change variables, draws
markers at both points, then displays the distance.
Now you try. Translate the equations above into code, and compute some distances.
Type your code here:
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lat1 = 34.1
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lat2 = 40.7
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lng1 = -118.25
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lng2 = -74.02
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drawmap((lat1+lat2)/2,(lng1+lng2)/2,3)
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setmarker(lat1,lng1)
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setmarker(lat2,lng2)
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torad = math.pi/180
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lat1 = lat1 * torad
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lat2 = lat2 * torad
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lng1 = lng1 * torad
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lng2 = lng2 * torad
See your results here:
This code should at least get you started.
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