There is more than one type of Nautical Mile
There are a few different types of Nautical Mile. On this site we have conversions for US Nautical miles, UK Nautical miles and International Nautical miles. Please either select the appropriate unit on the selection above of click the required unit in the links below:
What is a US league?
A US league is a unit of measurement used in the United States to represent a distance. It is primarily used in historical contexts and is equivalent to three miles or 15,840 feet. The term "league" originated from the Latin word "leuca," which referred to a distance that could be covered in an hour's walk.
In the past, leagues were commonly used to measure distances between towns or to describe the length of a journey. They were particularly useful in determining the distance covered by a ship at sea. However, with the advent of more precise and standardized units of measurement, such as the mile and kilometer, the use of leagues has become less common in modern times.
What is a nautical mile?
A nautical mile is a unit of measurement used in navigation and maritime travel. It is defined as one minute of latitude along any meridian, making it a unit of distance that varies slightly depending on the Earth's shape. The nautical mile is commonly used in aviation and shipping industries due to its convenience in measuring distances over water.
Historically, the nautical mile was derived from the circumference of the Earth, with one minute of latitude being divided into 60 equal parts to create the nautical mile. This unit of measurement is particularly useful for sailors and pilots as it allows for easy calculation of distances based on the Earth's coordinates. The nautical mile is also used in international treaties and agreements related to maritime boundaries and navigation regulations.