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Christoph Gudermann

Christoph Gudermann was a 19th-century German mathematician known for his contributions to geodesy, the science of measuring the Earth’s shape and gravitational field. He developed techniques and mathematical models that helped in accurately representing the Earth’s surface. One of his significant contributions is the Gudermannian function, which relates circular and hyperbolic functions without using complex numbers. This work is essential in navigation and cartography, influencing how topographers and surveyors understand and map the Earth's geography. His insights helped bridge geometry and practical applications in measuring and understanding our planet.