What is one characteristic of a rhumb line compared to a great circle?

A rhumb line, also known as a loxodrome, is characterized by its constant direction throughout its course. This means that when plotted on a map, a rhumb line crosses all meridians at the same angle, making navigation simpler since it allows for a steady course that can be followed without frequent adjustments to maintain a straight path.

This characteristic is particularly valuable in navigation, especially before the advent of modern navigation technologies. Sailors and pilots often prefer to follow a rhumb line on a chart because it means they do not have to continually calculate changes in course; they can steer a consistent heading.

In contrast, a great circle represents the shortest path between two points on the surface of a sphere, but it does not maintain a constant direction. As a result, while great circles may provide distance efficiency, they require more frequent course modifications, which can complicate navigation.