A nautical mile is a unit of measurement used in maritime and air navigation. It is based on the circumference of the Earth and is defined as one minute of latitude. This makes it particularly useful for navigation, as it directly relates to the Earth's geography. One nautical mile is equivalent to approximately 1.15078 standard miles or 1.852 kilometers. Because of its connection to latitude and longitude, the nautical mile helps sailors and pilots accurately determine distances over the Earth's surface, making it essential for safe travel on water and in the air.