Why convert Earth's equatorial radius to the polar radius?

Converting between these radii helps relate geodetic ellipsoid parameters critical for mapping, satellite navigation, and Earth science calculations.

What reference model is used for these radius values?

The WGS84 reference ellipsoid provides standardized values for Earth's equatorial and polar radii used in this conversion.

Can this conversion be used for exact local measurements?

No, as these radii are modeled averages and do not represent exact distances due to local geoid irregularities.

Convert Earth's Equatorial Radius to Polar Radius

Easily convert between Earth's equatorial radius and Earth's polar radius using our precise online length unit converter. Ideal for geodesy, aerospace, and Earth science applications.

Earth's equatorial radius

Earth's polar radius

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Earth's equatorial radius to Earth's polar radius Conversion Table

Earth's equatorial radius	Earth's polar radius

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

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Interval

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

Earth's equatorial radius to Earth's polar radius Conversion Table
Earth's equatorial radius	Earth's polar radius

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What Is This Tool?

This tool converts measurements from Earth's equatorial radius to Earth's polar radius, helping users relate important geodetic reference measurements used in cartography, satellite navigation, and Earth science.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the value in Earth's equatorial radius you want to convert.
Select Earth's equatorial radius as the source unit.
Choose Earth's polar radius as the target unit.
Click the convert button to see the result instantly.

Key Features

Converts Earth's equatorial radius to Earth's polar radius based on geodetic standards.
Supports applications in mapping, satellite orbit calculations, and geodesy.
Provides easy input and quick conversion results in one step.
Browser-based and accessible without installation.

Examples

1 Earth's equatorial radius equals approximately 1.0033638116 Earth's polar radius.
2 Earth's equatorial radii convert to about 2.0067276232 Earth's polar radii.

Common Use Cases

Defining geodetic reference ellipsoids and map projections.
Modeling satellite orbits and ground tracks in aerospace engineering.
Converting between geodetic and geocentric coordinates for navigation and Earth science.
Computing ellipsoidal heights and supporting GPS technology.

Tips & Best Practices

Ensure you are using this conversion in the context of the WGS84 reference ellipsoid for consistency.
Use the exact input values to maintain accuracy in your geodetic computations.
Consider that Earth's shape varies locally, so this tool provides modeled average radii.

Limitations

These radii represent averaged values and do not account for local topographic variations.
Conversion depends on the selected geodetic ellipsoid model, with WGS84 being standard but not exclusive.
Precision may vary slightly when compared with other Earth reference models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert Earth's equatorial radius to the polar radius?: Converting between these radii helps relate geodetic ellipsoid parameters critical for mapping, satellite navigation, and Earth science calculations.
What reference model is used for these radius values?: The WGS84 reference ellipsoid provides standardized values for Earth's equatorial and polar radii used in this conversion.
Can this conversion be used for exact local measurements?: No, as these radii are modeled averages and do not represent exact distances due to local geoid irregularities.

Key Terminology

Earth's Equatorial Radius: The straight-line distance from Earth's center to the equator along the equatorial plane, standardized at 6,378.137 kilometers in WGS84.
Earth's Polar Radius: Distance from Earth's center to the geographic pole along the rotation axis; the semi-minor axis of the reference ellipsoid, approximately 6,356,752.314245 meters in WGS84.
WGS84: World Geodetic System 1984, a widely used geodetic reference ellipsoid model for mapping, surveying, and navigation.

Quick Knowledge Check

What does Earth's equatorial radius measure?

Distance from center to pole

Distance from center to equator

Distance around Earth's equator

Which geodetic ellipsoid is used as a standard in this conversion?

NAD83

WGS84

ETRS89

Why might these radii not represent exact local distances?

Because Earth’s shape is perfectly spherical

Due to local topography and geoid irregularities

Because measurements are from satellites only

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