Geoid

The Earth is not a perfect sphere. The planet’s irregular topography and mass distribution can be described as a surface called a geoid, which is shown here with colors and exaggerated heights from multiple points of view. Developing an accurate geoid is essential for enabling global mapping and navigation.

Caption:
The shape of the Earth, known as a geoid, is shown here with colors and exaggerated heights from multiple points of view.
Type: Illustration
Image Date: 2012
Credit: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Origin: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
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540-geoid_-_nga.jpg

The shape of the Earth, known as a geoid, is shown here with colors and exaggerated heights from multiple points of view.