Get Measurements of Earth

1905

Elaborate Methods Used by Scientists in Getting a Base Line

Ever since the caliph, Almamoun, in 814 A. D. set his astronomers to measure a degree on the earth's surface with wooden rods, there has been a craving for greater accuracy in this supremely important starting point of geodesy.

Science and ingenuity have been employed to devise some measuring rod which shall be absolutely reliable and not subject to variation. The American Inventor has some interesting remarks upon the subject:

The science of geodesy is making rapid strides along the line of accuracy, and there is not much left to be perfected in the way of method. The all important problem of modern, as well as ancient geodesy, of course, is the measurement of the dimensions of the earth, which enters into all practical work of surveying, navigating and terrestrial physics.

The International Scientific association several years ago undertook the problem, the different nations having agreed to contribute their share toward an accurate determination.

The determination was undertaken in Ecuador in 1901, and extended from the Colombian to the Peruvian frontier, and every possible refinement to attain the maximum degree of accuracy was adopted.