
Measuring the Earth
Measuring the Earth refers to understanding the planet's size, shape, and surface features. Historically, this involved methods like triangulation, where surveyors used angles and distances between points. Today, technology like GPS and satellites provides precise measurements. The Earth is roughly an oblate spheroid, meaning it's slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. This shape affects everything from global positioning to climate patterns. Overall, measuring the Earth is essential for navigation, mapping, geology, and environmental science, helping us comprehend our planet's structure and dynamics.