Convert Semicircles to Compass Points

Convert Semicircles (sc) to Compass Points (pt) instantly and accurately.

Conversion Formula

pt = sc × 16

About Semicircles

A semicircle equals 1/2 of a full circle - exactly π rad = 180°. GPS and GLONASS transmit satellite orbital elements with latitude and longitude in semicircles, maximising angular resolution within 32-bit signed integers: ±2³¹ units span ±π rad with ~1.46 × 10⁻⁹ rad resolution per unit. Euler's identity e^(iπ) + 1 = 0 encodes exactly 1 semicircle of rotation in the complex plane, mapping 1 to -1 - often called the most beautiful equation in mathematics. 1 semicircle = π rad = 180° = 200 grad = 3,200 NATO mils.

About Compass Points

A compass point equals 1/32 of a full circle - π/16 rad ≈ 0.19635 rad (= 11.25°). Traditional maritime compasses divide the horizon into 32 named points from North clockwise back to North, each further divided into quarter-points (2.8125°). This 32-point rose was the standard for European seafaring from the 14th to 19th centuries. Modern navigation uses three-digit decimal bearings (000°-359°), but compass roses persist in meteorology and nautical heritage. 1 compass point = 11.25° = 11°15′ = 200 NATO mils.

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