Re: spherical geometry (was Re: navigation riddle)

[David Bowman <David_Bowman@GEORGETOWNCOLLEGE.EDU>]

Regarding Brian W's version:

> Or how about this one:
> From a fixed point, head due South, continue in a straight line
> for one mile: turn due East and continue in that direction for one
> mile, then turn onto a due South heading and continue straight for
> one mile, to return to your start point.
>
>
> Brian Whatcott    Altus OK    Eureka!

Brian, do you really want two southbound legs?  Also, What do you
mean by the phrase "in that direction for one mile" for the 2nd
leg?  Do you mean a) along a geodesically straight path, b) always
going due East, c) along a Euclideanly straight path, d) something
else?  Do you want the problem performed on the Earth's surface?

David Bowman