What Is This Tool?
This tool allows you to convert lengths from the UK nautical mile, a historical maritime unit, to the US survey rod, a traditional surveying unit. It helps interpret and translate legacy data from historical UK maritime charts to American land surveying measures.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the length value in nautical miles (UK) [NM (UK)]
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Select the units you wish to convert from and to
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Click the convert button to get the equivalent measurement in rods (US survey) [rd]
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Use the results to assist in interpreting old navigation or survey documents
Key Features
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Converts from nautical mile (UK) [NM (UK)] to rod (US survey) [rd]
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Based on exact historical definitions for accurate legacy data interpretation
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Browser-based and simple to operate without installation
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Supports reconciliation of maritime and land surveying data
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Includes examples for clarification
Examples
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1 nautical mile (UK) equals 368.4841115152 rods (US survey)
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0.5 nautical mile (UK) equals 184.2420557576 rods (US survey)
Common Use Cases
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Interpreting distances on UK Admiralty charts and maritime logs using NM (UK)
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Converting legacy UK maritime distances to US survey units for cross-referencing land records
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Surveying and legal property boundary analysis with historical land measurements
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Restoring and understanding older navigation tools and datasets using historic units
Tips & Best Practices
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Verify you are converting from the UK nautical mile to the correct rod (US survey) unit
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Use this tool primarily for historical or legacy data since NM (UK) is no longer official
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Cross-check results when integrating with modern metric maps or international nautical mile values
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Consult original survey or navigation documents for context when possible
Limitations
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The UK nautical mile is a historic unit no longer in official use, suited mainly for legacy data
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Rod (US survey) uses the US survey foot, which slightly differs from the international foot
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Modern measurements often prefer metric units, which may cause minor discrepancies
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Distinguish clearly between UK and international nautical miles to avoid conversion errors
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a nautical mile (UK)?
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It is a historic UK maritime unit defined as exactly 6,080 feet or 1,853.184 meters, slightly longer than the international nautical mile.
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How long is a rod (US survey)?
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A rod (US survey), also called a pole or perch, is exactly 16.5 US survey feet, approximately 5.02921 meters.
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Why convert from NM (UK) to rd (US survey)?
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This conversion helps reconcile historical UK maritime distances with American land surveying units in cadastral and legal documents.
Key Terminology
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Nautical mile (UK) [NM (UK)]
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A historical UK maritime length unit defined as exactly 6,080 feet or 1,853.184 meters used mainly in legacy charts and navigation.
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Rod (US survey) [rd]
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A traditional US surveying length unit equal to exactly 16.5 US survey feet, commonly used in land measurement and property descriptions.