The Struve Geodetic Arc, also known as the Struve Arc or occasionally referred to as the Struve Meridian, is a chain of triangulation points stretching from Hammerfest in Norway to the Black Sea coast in Ukraine. It was established in the 19th century by Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve, a German-born Russian astronomer and geodesist, in order to accurately measure the size and shape of the Earth.
The Struve Geodetic Arc consists of 34 points, each marked by an observatory or a vertical landmark, and extends over a distance of about 2,820 kilometers (1,752 miles) across ten countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine. This extensive measurement network, carried out between 1816 and 1855, made it possible to accurately determine the Earth's meridian arc and calculate the oblateness of the Earth.
The Struve Geodetic Arc serves as a significant accomplishment in the history of geodesy, contributing to a better understanding of the Earth's shape and size. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, recognizing its scientific and cultural importance. The arc serves as a powerful symbol of international cooperation and highlights the achievements of scientists from different nations working together towards a common goal. It represents an important milestone in the advancement of geodesy, providing a benchmark for future measurements and further studies on the Earth's geodetic properties.
