Exploring the Earth: An Insight into Geodesic Calculations and Their Multifaceted Applications

At its core, a geodesic is the shortest path between two points on a curved surface, such as the Earth’s surface. The concept of geodesics extends beyond simple straight lines on a plane, adapting to the complexities of spherical and ellipsoidal geometries. This adaptation is crucial for accurate distance measurements and navigation across the Earth’s surface, where the curvature cannot be ignored. The mathematical underpinning of geodesic calculations is rooted in differential geometry, which studies curves, surfaces, and their properties. The equations governing geodesics on a surface are derived from minimizing the distance between points, a problem solved using the calculus of variations. These equations, known as the geodesic equations, are integral to understanding the shape and size of geodesics on various geometric surfaces. <a href="https://medium.com/@evertongomede/exploring-the-earth-an-insight-into-geodesic-calculations-and-their-multifaceted-applications-8b911724700b">Website</a>