Vector
Distances and angles between points with heights.
These tools handle vectors and straight-line geometry: 3D distance between two points with heights, look angles from an observer to a target, vector sums and products, and conversion between magnitude and direction and x, y, z components. Drone operators, antenna installers, and students use them. Start with look angles. The pitfall is mixing direction conventions: navigation measures clockwise from north, mathematics counterclockwise from the x axis.
Planning and education aid. Not for primary navigation. Full disclaimer
I want to measure the straight-line distance to a drone or aircraft
- 3D distance between two points
The straight-line distance between two points with heights, such as a drone and its ground station, through Earth-centered coordinates, with the ground distance, height difference, and elevation angle.
I want to point an antenna or camera at a target
- Look angles to a target
Azimuth, elevation, and straight-line range from an observer to a target, both with heights above the ellipsoid, with a warning when the Earth's curve hides the target.
I want to add vectors or turn a direction into components
- Vector sum, dot, and cross product
Adds any number of 2D or 3D vectors head to tail; for two vectors, also their difference, dot and cross products, the angle between them, and the projection of one on the other.
- Vector components and direction
Turns a magnitude and direction (and elevation, for 3D) into x, y, and z components, or components back into magnitude and direction, with the direction convention stated: navigational from north or mathematical from +x.