What is a "nautical mile"?

A nautical mile is defined as a unit of distance that is used in maritime and air navigation, and it is based on the circumference of the Earth. It is equivalent to one minute of latitude and represents a distance of approximately 6,076.1 feet, which is often rounded to 6,080 feet for practical purposes. This unit of measure is particularly important for navigation because it relates directly to the Earth's geometry, allowing navigators to calculate distances more accurately when traversing the globe.

Other options do not accurately represent the definition of a nautical mile. For instance, while air travel does have its own units of distance, they do not specifically refer to a nautical mile. A boating license pertains to certification for operating boats and is unrelated to distance measurement. Lastly, an informal term for surveying distances does not capture the specific technical definition and application of a nautical mile in navigation. Thus, the correct answer highlights the essential connection between a nautical mile and its significance in navigation on Earth's surface.