The shortest distance between two points is not a strait line on a map You're right. The shortest distance between two points lies on a 'great circle': https:

The shortest distance between two points is not a strait line on a map You're right. The shortest distance between two points lies on a 'great circle': https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Great_circle https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Great_circle