Intersection — Where Two Bearing Paths Meet
Free intersection calculator for maps and KML: define two paths with a start latitude/longitude and true bearing, then find the spherical intersection point. Copy lat,lon or KML lon,lat and preview the hit on OpenStreetMap — classic Workbench-style path crossing math.
Key features
- Each path = start point (lat, lon) + true bearing (0–360°)
- Returns intersection latitude/longitude when geometry allows
- Clear errors for parallel, coincident, or ambiguous cases
- Map preview of both starts and the intersection hit
What Path Intersection calculates
A “path” here is a great-circle ray from a start pin along a true bearing. The tool finds where two such rays meet on a spherical Earth when a stable intersection exists — useful for coverage radials, constructed corridors, and Google Earth planning.
Why local SEO and map teams use it
Cross two service radials from different stores, estimate a meeting pin between franchise bearings, or sanity-check KML corridors before you export MultiGeometry to Google Earth.
Rays vs LineStrings
This calculator intersects unbounded bearing rays, not clipped LineString segments. The hit can fall “behind” a start if bearings point the wrong way — adjust inputs or verify with Distance Calculator from each start.
How to use this tool (best practice)
1) Enter Path 1 point + bearing. 2) Enter Path 2 point + bearing. 3) Calculate. 4) Copy lat,lon or KML lon,lat. Next: Destination Calculator, Initial & Final Bearings, or Circle Generator.
Frequently asked questions
Is this Intersection tool free?
Yes. It is free on GBP Local Ranker’s KML Workbench at /free-tools/kml-workbench/intersection — no login required for basic use.
What inputs do I need?
Two start points as decimal lat, lon and two true bearings in degrees (0° north, 90° east).
What if paths do not intersect?
You will see an error for parallel, coincident, or ambiguous spherical cases. Adjust bearings or start points and try again.
Can I intersect two KML LineStrings?
Not directly. This tool intersects point+bearing rays. For polylines, derive bearings with Initial & Final Bearings or use GIS software for segment clipping.
Is the intersection unique?
Spherical geometry can be ambiguous. When the solver cannot pick a stable answer, it returns a clear error instead of a wrong pin.
Does distance along the path matter?
Rays are unbounded. The computed hit may lie beyond a practical segment length — verify with Distance Calculator from each start.
Magnetic or true bearings?
True bearings for geometry. Magnetic declination is not applied.
What coordinate format is returned?
Human copy uses lat, lon. The KML line uses lon,lat for Google Earth.
How do I verify the result?
Use the map preview (intersection centered), then measure distances from each start with Distance Calculator.
Where is the full KML Workbench suite?
Open All KML Workbench Tools at /free-tools/kml-workbench for distance, destination, bearings, circles, and more.