Calculate distances between locations and travel time estimates.
Understanding distance calculation and route planning. Distance types: straight-line (as crow flies), road distance (actual route via roads), walking distance (pedestrian routes). Driving distance: actual road-based route, considers road networks, terrain. Calculation: route via mapping services (Google Maps, Apple Maps) provides accurate distances. Speed calculations: average speed × time = distance. Example: 60 kph for 2 hours = 120km traveled. Road types affect speed: motorway (fast, 100+ kph), A-roads (medium, 60-80 kph), B-roads/residential (slower, 30-50 kph).
Traffic impacts: peak hours slow driving, off-peak faster travel. Weather affects speed: wet conditions reduce speed/increase braking distance, snow further impacts travel time. Vehicle type affects efficiency: trucks slower, compact cars faster. Fuel consumption estimates: distance ÷ vehicle mpg = fuel needed, fuel cost calculation. Tolls: major routes may include tolls, adds to journey cost. Rest breaks: long drives require breaks (every 2-3 hours recommended), extend journey time. Navigation tools: GPS (satellite navigation), smartphone apps (real-time traffic, route optimization).
Route optimization: multiple destination sequencing minimizes total distance (saleman problem classic optimization). Walking distance: shorter than driving (direct routes), typically 3-4 kph pedestrian speed. Cycling distance: faster than walking (~15-20 kph), slower than driving. Public transport distance: follows transit routes, often longer than direct driving (multiple stops). Distance tracking: fitness trackers, running apps measure activity distances. Altitude gain: affects difficulty (hiking, cycling), not just horizontal distance. Energy expenditure: distance and terrain both affect calorie burn. Understanding distance calculations enables route optimization, cost estimation, travel time planning, accurate fitness tracking..