Plotting the globe : stories of meridians, parallels, and the international date line
A collection of stories and myths about geography, navigation, and geodesy - the science that deals with the Earth's figure and the interrelationship of selected points on its surface - that reaches far beyond dry scientific texts to concentrate on the people behind the discoveries.
xii, 235 pages : illustrations.
9780275988951, 0275988953
1014084190
AcknowledgementsIntroductionThe MeridiansThe Lemon or Orange DebateMeasuring a Meridian Mark I: What is the Shape of the Earth?Measuring a Meridian Mark II: How Long is One Meter?The Prime MeridianFrom Hipparchus to PulkovoGreenwich - The Ultimate Prime MeridianGreenwich Goes International1984 Beats 1884 - The GPSTime and Tide Wait for No Man, Especially at GreenwichThe International Date LineThe Paradox: Lost by Magellan, Found by FoggThe International Date Line: Truth or Myth?The International Date Line and the MillenniumThe EquatorCrossing the LineWho Did it First?End of StoryReferencesInternet SitesCredits and IllustrationsIndex