What distinguishes a small circle?

A small circle is defined as a circle on the surface of a sphere that does not pass through the center of the sphere. This contrasts with a great circle, which does pass through the center and represents the shortest path between two points on a sphere.

Small circles can be significant in navigation and cartography, as they relate to various courses and distances that are often not the shortest routes. Navigators might use small circles when considering specific latitudinal traverses or for specific air or sea routes where other factors, such as prevailing winds or currents, may influence travel decisions.

While small circles can indeed be used in navigation, it is their definition that highlights their distinction from great circles, ensuring that understanding the geometric properties is crucial for practical applications.