Nautical Mile – equivalent definitions and values Which statements correctly describe a nautical mile?

Introduction / Context:
The nautical mile is a navigation unit tied to Earth geometry, facilitating conversion between angular measurements on charts and linear distances travelled. It is widely used in marine and aerial navigation along with the knot (nautical miles per hour).

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Traditional geodetic definition linked to Earth’s great circles.
• Rounded imperial and metric equivalents commonly used in surveying texts.

Concept / Approach:

A nautical mile corresponds to one minute of arc along a great circle on the Earth, conventionally taken along a meridian for practical measurement. While the modern SI definition fixes it at exactly 1852 m, many surveying references cite values around 1852–1855 m and about 6080 ft, depending on Earth model approximations and historical usage. Since the options reflect these common statements, the comprehensive choice is “All of the above”.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Navigation standards use 1 nautical mile = 1852 m exactly; older figures in feet and alternative meters persist in legacy documents but are close enough for the purpose of this question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

None of the individual statements is wrong in the examination context; thus the collective “All of the above” best captures accepted definitions.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing statute miles (1609 m) with nautical miles; ignoring that knots are nautical miles per hour.

Final Answer:

All of the above