Google MAPS Technology Proves Earth is Round: Expert

Cibinong, W.Java (Antaranews Megapolitan) - A geodetic expert from BIG (the Indonesian Geospatial Information Agency) and ITB (Bandung Institute of Technology) has presented an easy way to prove the earth is round with information technologies such as Google MAPS, Earth, Waze, and GPS (Global Positioning System) that provide Geospatial Information (IG).

"Let me make it clear. The MAP uses the calculation of location point position based on the rounded form of earth. The location is generated from satellite technology, it's a fact," a Geodesy and Geomatics Expert from ITB, Heri Andreas, told Antara here on Wednesday.

He explained the results concluded from a discussion with other BIG experts, namely, Antonius Bambang Wijanarto, and an ITB's Astronomy Expert, Moedji Raharto. The experts have explained the basic calculation of the actual shape of the earth is round but slightly flat or called Geoid.

The geoid is a model of global mean sea level that is used to measure precise surface elevations.

Heri pointed out that the discussion was aimed at talking the issue that flat is earth which is increasingly embraced by some communities around the world, including Indonesia.

In the discussion, the experts also displayed the earth's surface which is visible from satellite images that show the earth has plateaus and lowland.

Mathematical calculations by a number of researchers also show a picture that the earth is round. Heri also said such information technology products as Google Earth, Google MAP and GPS can guide every people to find directions while having trips.

Another example of mathematical calculations that show the earth is not flat is the calculation of a plane which flies from point A that can be properly landed at point B using GPS technology. This flying guide technology uses distance calculations based on rounded shape of the earth.

"So it's not true if someone says GPS uses BTS (Base Transceiver Station), and not satellite technology, because before the base stations exist, the GPS is already there. So, satellite technology is indisputable because the image of the earth is there," he explained.

Meanwhile, the BIG's Head of Geodesy and Geodynamics Control Center, Antonius Bambang Wijanarto, explained that the definition of flat earth as it is widely disseminated among people is not a definition of the shape of the earth, but it is related the field or area.

Meanwhile, forms in science are round, oval or square.

The calculation of BIG researchers on gravity through science and technology declares that the Earth is round.

Antonius explained that BIG is socializing the flat earth map into digital and printed media in two dimensional format, and in three dimensional (3-D) format in digital form that can be seen from all directions. The 3-D form can help determine accurate locations by geospatial information systems (GIS) such as MAPS and others.

BIG noted that of the 187,000 people around the world who believe that the Earth is flat, 63,800 people are in Indonesia.

In addition to believe that the shape of the Earth is flat, they do not believe the effectiveness of technologies, such as satellites, in measuring the shape of the earth either.

Penerjemah: O. Tamindael.