$maxDistance (geospatial)

APPLIES TO: MongoDB vCore

The $maxDistance operator is used in geospatial queries to specify the maximum distance (in meters) that can exist between two points. It's commonly used with $near to find locations within a certain radius.

Syntax

The syntax for the $maxDistance operator is as follows:

{
  <location field>: {
    $near: {
      $geometry: {
        type: "Point",
        coordinates: [<longitude>, <latitude>]
      },
      $maxDistance: <distance in meters>
    }
  }
}

Parameters

Parameter Type Description
location field Field The field containing the geospatial data
coordinates Array An array of [longitude, latitude] specifying the center point
$maxDistance Number Maximum distance in meters from the center point

Example

Using the stores collection, let's find all stores within 10 KM of the "VanArsdel Picture Frame Store":

db.stores.find({
  location: {
    $near: {
      $geometry: {
        type: "Point",
        coordinates: [-141.9922, 16.8331]  // VanArsdel Picture Frame Store location
      },
      $maxDistance: 10000  // 10 kilometers in meters
    }
  }
},
{
  name: 1,
  location: 1
})

This query returns stores like:

  • First Up Consultants Microphone Bazaar
  • Fabrikam Car Accessory Outlet and other stores within the 10 KM radius.

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