How Far As the Crow Flies
WouterAs the crow flies is a common way to describe the shortest distance between two points. It is not a precise distance, however, because it does not take any obstacles into account. It is great for reference, but it is not very helpful when it comes to directions.
One way to estimate distances is to use a geodesic distance calculator. In order to use one, you need to know the first and second locations. Once you input the first location, it will calculate the second location’s distance. This formula takes the earth’s curve into account to calculate the distance. Hence, it is highly accurate for shorter distances. You can also use geolocation to estimate the distance between two points without manually entering the addresses.
The phrase was first used in 1774 in a newspaper called the Bath Chronicle. Later, it was used in newspapers like the Stamford Mercury, Lincoln Mercury, and Rutland Mercury. Although it was originally used to describe the flight path of crows, it has no connection to the flight of humans. In fact, it is an approximate distance between two places.
The phrase is not only used when giving directions, but also when giving a rough estimate of distance. It refers to the shortest possible route between two points, and it is used in social and professional contexts. As the crow flies is an idiom that originated from direct observation of nature.
