What does geodesic distance refer to?

Geodesic distance specifically refers to the shortest path between two points on the surface of a sphere, considering the curvature of the Earth. This measurement accounts for the Earth's shape, offering the most accurate representation of distance across its surface compared to straight-line or planar distances. It is essential in various applications, such as navigation, geographic analysis, and surveying.

In contrast, the longest distance between two points on Earth does not align with the concept of geodesic distance, which emphasizes minimizing the distance traveled. Various methodologies, such as planar calculations, do not incorporate the Earth’s curvature, thereby failing to produce an accurate geodesic distance. Lastly, measuring distance purely on flat surfaces neglects the spherical nature of the Earth and is unsuitable for comprehensive geographic studies. Understanding geodesic distance is crucial for professionals in GIS, as it directly influences spatial analysis and modeling in real-world applications.