# Longest Straight Line Paths on Earth's Surface

The longest uninterrupted routes you can travel on land or sea

- **Source:** [Hacker News](https://news.ycombinator.com)
- **Published:** 2026-08-30
- **Topic:** [Career Growth](https://brifing.si/c/growth)
- **Original article:** <https://arxiv.org/abs/1804.07389>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e27b17de-1da2-4195-9496-7f0536bb3a28

## Research Foundations

Published in 2018 by Rohan Chabukswar and Kushal Mukherjee, this study mathematically calculated the longest straight-line paths that can be drawn on Earth's surface without crossing land or sea interruptions. The researchers considered global surface geometry and geographical obstacles to determine these routes. The study was published on the arXiv platform and garnered interest in the scientific community.

## Longest Sea Route

According to the research, the longest straight-line path over water is approximately 32,089.7 kilometers long. This route starts in the Pacific Ocean and extends to the Indian Ocean. It allows for an uninterrupted journey without hitting any landmass. The calculation took into account Earth's curvature and ocean currents.

## Longest Land Route

The longest straight-line path over land is approximately 11,241.1 kilometers long. This route starts in China and extends to West Africa. Along the way, it encounters no major water bodies or significant geographical barriers. The calculation used global topography data and elevation maps.

## Mathematical Modeling

The researchers used spherical geometry and geographic information systems (GIS) to calculate the routes. They modeled Earth's surface as a sphere and developed optimization algorithms to find the longest straight lines. These algorithms automatically detected geographical obstacles and adjusted the route accordingly.

## Data Sources

The study utilized high-resolution topography data and ocean depth maps provided by NASA. These data were critical for improving the accuracy of the routes. The researchers developed specialized software to process the data and used 3D mapping tools to visualize the results.

## Scientific Impact

This study offered a new perspective in the fields of geography and mathematics. It became an important reference for global navigation and route planning systems. The research was widely discussed and praised in scientific journals and conferences.

## Practical Applications

These routes can be used in maritime and aviation industries. They could serve as ideal paths for long-distance sea voyages to save fuel. Additionally, they provide a valuable resource for geographical explorations and scientific research.

## Conclusion and Significance

This research revealed previously unknown longest straight-line paths on Earth's surface. Contributing both scientifically and practically, the study opened a new field at the intersection of geography and mathematics. Future similar studies could lead to the discovery of more detailed and complex routes.

## Sources covering this story

- https://arxiv.org/abs/1804.07389 — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._