What is a chain in length measurement?

A chain is a traditional surveying length unit equal to 66 feet or approximately 20.1168 meters, commonly used historically in land measurement.

Why convert chains to nautical miles?

Converting chains to nautical miles is useful for translating historical land survey data into units utilized in marine navigation and geodetic charting.

Can this tool be used for precise modern geodesy?

While helpful, the use of chains as a source unit may limit precision, so care should be taken when applying results to exact modern geodetic standards.

Convert Chain [ch] to Nautical Mile (International) Easily Online

Q: What is the exact length of an international nautical mile?

The international nautical mile is defined exactly as 1,852 meters, reflecting roughly one minute of latitude on Earth.

Use our online tool to convert lengths from chain [ch], a traditional surveying measure, to the international nautical mile unit commonly used in marine and aeronautical navigation.

Chain [ch]

Nautical mile (international)

Please check your input. It must be a valid numeric value.

Chain [ch] to Nautical mile (international) Conversion Table

Chain [ch]	Nautical mile (international)

Custom Unit Conversion Table Generator – Instant Printable Conversion Tables

Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

Enter the ending number (positive decimal or integer > Start Value). Example: 10, 50, 100.

Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

Chain [ch] to Nautical mile (international) Conversion Table
Chain [ch]	Nautical mile (international)

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What Is This Tool?

This converter transforms values from chains, an old surveying unit, into international nautical miles used for navigation and geodetic measurements. It supports those needing to relate historical land measurements to maritime and aeronautical length units.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the length value in chains (ch) you want to convert
Select 'chain [ch]' as the source unit and 'nautical mile (international)' as the target unit
Click the convert button to see the equivalent length in nautical miles
Use the result for navigation, mapping, or integrating survey data with marine charts

Key Features

Converts length units from chain [ch] to international nautical mile accurately based on defined conversion rates
Browser-based and easy to use with no installation required
Helpful for integrating historical land survey data with modern navigational measurements
Supports cadastral surveying, geodesy, and marine navigation applications

Examples

10 Chains [ch] converts to 0.10862203 Nautical miles (international)
100 Chains [ch] is equivalent to 1.0862203 Nautical miles (international)

Common Use Cases

Translating historical cadastral survey measurements for modern GIS and land registration systems
Converting land measurement units used in old engineering and agricultural layouts to nautical miles for navigational use
Calculating distances between points on marine and aeronautical charts
Supporting oceanographic and coastal charting where nautical miles relate to latitude coordinates

Tips & Best Practices

Ensure the input measurements stem from accurate historical chain data for reliable conversions
Use conversions as approximations when applying to precise geodetic or navigation tasks
Combine chain to nautical mile conversions with modern mapping tools for integrated spatial analysis
Be aware of unit definitions and context to avoid misinterpretation of converted results

Limitations

Chains are an old measurement and may not meet exact modern geodetic precision standards
Nautical miles apply to Earth’s geometry and might not accurately represent small land distances without adjustments
Conversion accuracy depends on consistent interpretation of historical units and standards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a chain in length measurement?: A chain is a traditional surveying length unit equal to 66 feet or approximately 20.1168 meters, commonly used historically in land measurement.
Why convert chains to nautical miles?: Converting chains to nautical miles is useful for translating historical land survey data into units utilized in marine navigation and geodetic charting.
What is the exact length of an international nautical mile?: The international nautical mile is defined exactly as 1,852 meters, reflecting roughly one minute of latitude on Earth.
Can this tool be used for precise modern geodesy?: While helpful, the use of chains as a source unit may limit precision, so care should be taken when applying results to exact modern geodetic standards.

Key Terminology

Chain [ch]: A traditional surveying length unit equal to 66 feet or approximately 20.1168 meters, used historically in land measurement.
Nautical mile (international): A length unit defined as exactly 1,852 meters, used in marine and aeronautical navigation as well as geodetic references.
Cadastral surveying: The process of measuring and mapping land parcels for ownership and registration using units like chains.

Quick Knowledge Check

What is the length of one chain in feet?

50 feet

66 feet

100 feet

What is the exact length of an international nautical mile in meters?

1852 meters

2000 meters

1500 meters

Why is converting chain to nautical mile important?

To relate historical land measurements to marine navigation units

To measure distance on land only

To convert speed units

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