Track chart to map

[NW Mailing List]

It occurs to me that I ought to be able to construct a scale map of the
line from the information contained in a track chart.  The chart gives the
curvature, direction and distance for each segment relative to the previous
segment.  So, if I (1) construct a tangent to the previous segment then (2)
draw a line to the right or left (as indicated on the chart) at an angle
equal to the curvature of the next segment for the proper length and (4) do
this for several segments then (5) draw a smooth curve that passes through
the segment endpoints, will I end up with a good representation of the line?
My biggest concern is with operation (2) in drawing the segment to the
proper length.  I assume the distance represented in the track chart is
along the curve and not along the cord between the end points that I would
be constructing.  I have forgotten enough trig to not know if there is a
relationship between the length of the chord and the length of the arc.
 Seems like the radius would have to play into this someway.
Does anyone have any experience with this kind of conversion who can point
out the nuances and finer points?
Thanks,
Jim Cochran
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