What type of lines do VTA maps use?

VTA (VFR Terminal Area) maps use rhumb lines to depict routes and navigational information. Rhumb lines are straight lines that cross all meridians of longitude at the same angle, making them valuable for navigational purposes as they provide a constant compass direction. This is particularly useful for pilots as they help in maintaining a consistent heading over the ground, which simplifies navigation during flight.

In comparison, great circles represent the shortest distance between two points on the surface of a sphere, leading to a more curved path when depicted on a flat map. Geodesic lines are also related to great circles and represent the shortest pathway, but they can be less practical for navigation in terms of consistent heading. Curved lines are a more general term and do not specifically refer to any navigational method. Therefore, rhumb lines are preferred for their simplicity and ease of use in the context of VTA maps.