[net.space] nautical miles again

David.Smith@cmu-cs-ius.arpa (04/23/84)

As I noted, historical use of the nautical mile is based on historical use
of degrees, minutes, and seconds to measure angles.  Maybe we could get rid
of nautical miles by forcing everyone to measure angles in grads (right
angle = 100 grad).  On the surface of the earth, 1 grad = 100 km.

But I'm not holding my breath.

			David Smith

P.S.  It seems to me that the most natural angular measure for public use
would be the "piradian," defined as 1 piradian = pi radians.  On the surface
of the earth, 1 millipiradian = 20 km.

			DRS