Navigating air or water involves more than just pointing and going; you must account for the wind or current pushing you off course. The Velocity Triangle Calculator solves this navigational vector problem, helping you determine your true ‘Ground Speed’ and track by combining your object’s velocity with the medium’s velocity.
Features
Navigator Friendly: Uses Compass Headings (0° North, 90° East) rather than standard math angles.
Ground Speed Logic: Calculates the actual speed and direction you will travel over land.
Drift Calculation: Shows how much the wind or current affects your path.
Aviation/Marine focus: Tailored for pilots and sailors.
How to Use This Calculator
Object Input: Enter your vehicle’s True Airspeed/Water Speed and Heading.
Medium Input: Enter the Wind/Current Speed and the direction it is blowing *towards*.
Compute: Find your resulting Ground Speed and actual Track.
Check Graph: View the blue ‘Object’ vector affected by the light blue ‘Wind’ vector to create the dark ‘Result’ vector.
Formulas
The calculator uses the following mathematical principles:
Conversion: Compass angles are converted to math angles ($$ \theta = 90 – \text{Heading} $$).
Vector Addition: $$ \vec{V}_{ground} = \vec{V}_{air} + \vec{V}_{wind} $$
Result: Magnitude is ground speed; Angle is the actual track.
Practical Applications
Flight Planning: Calculating time en route given headwinds or tailwinds.
Boating: Determining required heading to cross a river with a strong current.
Drone Operations: Estimating effective range in windy conditions.
Tips for Success
Wind Direction: Ensure you know if the wind is reported as ‘blowing from’ or ‘blowing towards’. This calculator generally expects the direction of the vector of movement.
Units: Use Knots, MPH, or KPH, as long as you match them for both speeds.
Compass Rose: North is Up (0°), East is Right (90°).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is heading the same as course?
Heading is where your nose points; Course (or Track) is where you actually travel over the ground.
How do I correct for wind?
You would typically crab into the wind. This calculator shows you the result if you don’t correct, which helps you understand the drift.
Final Words
Stay on track. The Velocity Triangle Calculator is the essential navigator’s aid for understanding how external forces like wind and current alter your journey.
