Flat Earth
The term "Flat Earth" refers to the belief that the Earth is flat, rather than an oblate spheroid, which is the scientifically established understanding. This belief has historical roots dating back to ancient civilizations, but it has been largely discredited by centuries of scientific evidence, including observations from space, satellite imagery, and the principles of physics. Advocates of the Flat Earth theory often assert that mainstream science is misleading and that they have evidence to support their claims.
Frames of reference
Frames of reference are the conceptual structures or systems used to measure and describe the position, motion, and dynamics of objects. These frames can be thought of as coordinate systems or perspectives from which observations are made and laws of physics are applied. In physics, a frame of reference typically includes: 1. **Reference Point**: A specific location or position used as a baseline for measuring the position or motion of other objects. 2. **Coordinate System**: A way to represent the spatial dimensions (e.
Geodesists
Geodesists are professionals who specialize in geodesy, which is the science of measuring and understanding the Earth's geometric shape, orientation in space, gravitational field, and how these properties change over time. Geodesists use various techniques and technologies, including satellite positioning systems (such as GPS), traditional surveying methods, and remote sensing, to acquire precise measurements related to the Earth's surface and its dynamics.
Geodesy-related lists
Geodesy organizations
Geodesy organizations are institutions or associations dedicated to the study and application of geodesy, which is the science of measuring and understanding the Earth's geometric shape, orientation in space, and gravity field. These organizations often focus on various aspects such as satellite positioning, GPS technology, mapping, and earth observation. Geodesy organizations can vary widely in their scope and activities.
Geodesy stubs
"Geodesy stubs" typically refers to short or incomplete articles related to the field of geodesy on platforms like Wikipedia. A stub is a term used in online encyclopedias and wikis to denote an article that lacks sufficient content to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic.
Geodetic datums
Geodetic datums are reference frameworks used to measure the geographic coordinates (latitude, longitude, and elevation) of points on the Earth's surface. They provide a standard way to relate the positions of features on the Earth to a specific coordinate system and enable accurate mapping, navigation, and geographic information systems (GIS). ### Key Components of Geodetic Datums: 1. **Reference Ellipsoid**: This is a mathematically defined surface that approximates the shape of the Earth.
Geodetic satellites
Geodetic satellites are specialized satellites used in the field of geodesy, which is the science of measuring and understanding the Earth's geometric shape, orientation in space, and gravitational field. These satellites play a crucial role in the precise measurement and monitoring of various geophysical phenomena, including plate tectonics, sea level rise, and Earth’s crust movements.
Geodetic surveys
Geodetic surveys are a type of surveying that focuses on measuring large areas of the Earth's surface, taking into account the curvature of the Earth. Unlike traditional land surveys, which often deal with small plots of land, geodetic surveys are designed to gather precise measurements over extensive distances. Key aspects of geodetic surveys include: 1. **Earth's Shape**: The Earth is not a perfect sphere; its shape is more accurately described as an oblate spheroid.
Geographic coordinate systems
Geographic coordinate systems (GCS) are systems used to identify locations on the Earth's surface using a coordinate system. These systems express the position of a point as a set of numerical coordinates, typically in the form of latitude and longitude. Each point on the Earth's surface can be described using these coordinates, which represent angular measurements: 1. **Latitude**: This measures how far north or south a point is from the Equator.
Global Positioning System
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system that allows users to determine their exact location (latitude, longitude, and altitude) anywhere on Earth, at any time, and under any weather conditions. It was developed by the United States Department of Defense and became fully operational in the 1990s. **Key components of GPS include:** 1.
Hollow Earth
The concept of Hollow Earth refers to a theoretical idea that suggests the Earth is entirely or largely hollow and may contain subterranean civilizations or vast internal spaces. Historical beliefs about Hollow Earth varied, with some ancient cultures proposing that the Earth had internal cavities or tunnels.
Meridians (geography)
In geography, meridians are imaginary lines that run from the North Pole to the South Pole, forming a grid on the Earth's surface. They are part of a coordinate system used to specify locations in terms of longitude. Each meridian is defined by its longitude, which is measured in degrees east or west of the Prime Meridian, which is at 0 degrees longitude and runs through Greenwich, England.
Satellite navigation systems
Satellite navigation systems are systems that use satellites to provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning. These systems allow users to determine their location (latitude, longitude, and altitude) on Earth, usually to within a few meters, using a GPS receiver or a similar device. ### Key Components: 1. **Satellites**: The core of satellite navigation systems, these orbit Earth at various altitudes and transmit signals containing their location and the precise time the signal was sent.
Struve Geodetic Arc
The Struve Geodetic Arc is a significant historical geodetic survey that was conducted in the 19th century, primarily to measure a degree of the meridian arc (the measurement of the Earth's curvature) across several countries in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. The arc stretches approximately 2,820 kilometers (about 1,750 miles) from Hammerfest in Norway to the Black Sea port of Sulina in Romania.
Surveying and geodesy markers
Surveying and geodesy are both essential fields in mapping and understanding the Earth's surface, and they rely heavily on markers for precision and accuracy. ### Surveying Surveying is the science and art of determining the relative positions of points on the Earth's surface. It involves measuring distances, angles, and elevations to create maps, establish land boundaries, and set out construction projects.
Surveying instruments
Surveying instruments are tools and devices used by surveyors and engineers to measure distances, angles, and elevations, as well as to map and analyze land and structures. These instruments are crucial for establishing precise measurements to ensure accuracy in construction, land development, and various types of civil engineering projects. Here are some common types of surveying instruments: 1. **Theodolite**: A precision instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles.
3D scanning
3D scanning is a technology that captures the physical dimensions and appearance of a real-world object or environment and converts it into a digital 3D model. This process involves using various techniques and devices to gather data about the shape, size, and texture of the object being scanned.
Angular eccentricity
Angular eccentricity, often used in the context of conic sections, refers to a measure of how much an orbit deviates from being circular. In the case of an ellipse, the eccentricity (denoted as \( e \)) is defined mathematically as the ratio of the distance between the foci of the ellipse to the length of its major axis.
The annual cycle of sea level height refers to the seasonal fluctuations in sea level that occur due to a variety of factors, including temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns. Here are some key components that contribute to this cycle: 1. **Thermal Expansion**: Sea water expands as it warms. During warmer months, typically around summer in each hemisphere, sea surface temperatures rise, leading to thermal expansion and a slight increase in sea level.