The Great Circle Route

The Great Circle Route is the shortest path between two points on the Earth's surface, following its curvature. Unlike straight lines on flat maps, these routes curve, taking advantage of Earth's spherical shape to minimize travel distance. Airlines often use Great Circle Routes for long flights because they save time and fuel. On maps, they appear as arcs rather than straight lines, especially between distant locations. This method optimizes efficiency in navigation, making travel faster and more economical while covering the least distance possible over the Earth's surface.