In ancient times, many methods were used to measure the distance of the sea. For example, ancient sailors used to estimate their position in the sea by using the position of the stars and the sun.
Apart from this, sailors also estimated the time it would take them to reach from one place to another at a certain speed. Also, the distance of the sea was estimated based on the color of the water and the presence of marine life.
However, in modern times, the methods of measuring sea distance have changed. Now nautical miles are used to measure distance in the sea. One nautical mile is approximately equal to 1.852 kilometers. Apart from this, the exact position of any place can be found using GPS satellites.
Sonar is used to detect the depth of the ocean and the texture of the sea floor, and radar is used to determine the distance and direction of ships and other objects.
Hydrography is the science of studying the seas and oceans. Hydrographers create nautical charts, showing ocean depths, reefs, and other hazards.
The distance at sea is measured in several steps. First, the starting point and the ending point are determined. Then data is collected using instruments such as GPS, sonar, and radar. The distance is calculated by analyzing the collected data. After this, the route is planned using nautical charts.