What is the Struve Geodetic Arc?
Q: What is the Struve Geodetic Arc?
A: The Struve Geodetic Arc is a chain of survey triangulations that stretches from Hammerfest in Norway to the Black Sea, passing through ten countries and covering over 2,820 kilometres (1,750 miles). It was made and used by German-born Russian scientist Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve in order to make an accurate measurement of a meridian arc and determine the exact size and shape of the earth.
Q: How many countries does the chain pass through?
A: The chain passes through ten countries.
Q: Where did Struve do much of his research?
A: Much of Struve's research was done at Tartu Observatory, which is also where the first point on the Arc is located.
Q: When was it added to the World Heritage List?
A: The Struve Geodetic Arc was added to the World Heritage List in 2005.
Q: How many plaques or obelisks are there out of the original 265?
A: There are 34 plaques or obelisks out of the original 265.
Q: Who created and used this chain?
A: The chain was created and used by German-born Russian scientist Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve between 1816 and 1855.
Q: What purpose did this chain serve?
A: This chain served as a way for von Struve to measure a meridian arc accurately so he could determine the exact size and shape of Earth.
