The Mystery of Wilson Line: Unraveling the Locus of Points

The Wilson line is a locus of points up to which the physical features along a coast may extend.

What is the Wilson Line?

The Wilson line is an imaginary line drawn along a coast in order to determine the boundary of the coastal region. It is named after the British geographer and cartographer, Alfred William Wilson, who first proposed the concept in 1891. The line is typically drawn approximately parallel to the shoreline and passes through the points of greatest curvature along the coast. In other words, it is the line that marks the limit of the coastal region, beyond which the natural features of the area may not extend.

What is the Purpose of the Wilson Line?

The primary purpose of the Wilson line is to provide a boundary between land and sea. This boundary helps to define the area of jurisdiction of the coastal state, and is used to determine the extent of its territorial waters. The Wilson line is also used to delineate the areas over which the coastal state has exclusive economic rights. It is used to determine the boundaries of certain exclusive economic zones, such as those established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

How is the Wilson Line Calculated?

The Wilson line is calculated by taking into account various physical features of the coast. The line is drawn up to the point of greatest curvature along the coastline, which is determined by measuring the degree of curvature between two points along the coast. The distance between the two points is calculated, as well as the angle of the curve. The line is then drawn in such a way that the angle of the curve is at its maximum. The line is then extended along the coast, passing through the points of greatest curvature.

Conclusion

The Wilson line is an important concept in determining the boundaries of coastal states and their exclusive economic zones. It is an imaginary line drawn along a coast in order to determine the boundary of the coastal region, beyond which the natural features of the area may not extend. The Wilson line is calculated by taking into account various physical features of the coast and is drawn up to the point of greatest curvature along the coastline. By understanding the Wilson line and its implications, students can gain a better understanding of the political and economic implications of the boundary between land and sea.