The Geodetic Pivot: Cartographic Projections and Datum Evolution from Empirical Measurement to Algorithmic Reality Article Swipe
Revista, Zen
,
GEOGRAPHY, 10
·
YOU?
·
· 2025
· Open Access
·
· DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17842676
YOU?
·
· 2025
· Open Access
·
· DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17842676
This paper explores the fundamental transformation of cartographic projections and geodetic datums from their historical reliance on painstaking empirical measurement to their contemporary instantiation as products of advanced algorithmic reality. Historically, the definition of Earth's shape and position was an arduous undertaking, involving astronomical observations, triangulation networks, and the physical establishment of reference points. This epoch was characterized by localized datums and the challenging projection of an irregularly shaped Earth onto two-dimensional maps, often with significant distortions. The advent of satellite geodesy, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), and sophisticated computational models has ushered in a new era, fundamentally altering how spatial data are acquired, processed, and represented. This shift, termed the 'Geodetic Pivot,' signifies a move from physical artifacts and local surveys to globally consistent, dynamically updated, and algorithmically derived reference frames. The paper analyzes the theoretical underpinnings, technological advancements, and practical implications of this evolution, highlighting the transition from static, regional approximations to dynamic, global, and highly precise spatial realities. It discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by this algorithmic paradigm, including data interoperability, real-time positioning, and the philosophical implications for understanding geographic truth in an increasingly data-driven world.
Related Topics
Concepts
Geodetic datum
Triangulation
Computer science
Position (finance)
Global Positioning System
Projection (relational algebra)
Satellite
Geodesy
Geography
Transformation (genetics)
Epoch (astronomy)
Map projection
Constellation
Photogrammetry
North American Datum of 1927
Earth observation
Earth observation satellite
Data science
Remote sensing
Empirical modelling
Algorithm
Cartography
Spatial analysis
Geocentric model
Digital Earth
Geographic coordinate system
Empirical research
Metadata
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- article
- Landing Page
- https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17842676
- OA Status
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All OpenAlex metadata
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https://openalex.org/W7109813469Canonical identifier for this work in OpenAlex
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https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17842676Digital Object Identifier
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The Geodetic Pivot: Cartographic Projections and Datum Evolution from Empirical Measurement to Algorithmic RealityWork title
- Type
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articleOpenAlex work type
- Publication year
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2025Year of publication
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2025-12-06Full publication date if available
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Revista, Zen, GEOGRAPHY, 10List of authors in order
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https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17842676Publisher landing page
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YesWhether a free full text is available
- OA status
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greenOpen access status per OpenAlex
- OA URL
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https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17842676Direct OA link when available
- Concepts
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Geodetic datum, Triangulation, Computer science, Position (finance), Global Positioning System, Projection (relational algebra), Satellite, Geodesy, Geography, Transformation (genetics), Epoch (astronomy), Map projection, Constellation, Photogrammetry, North American Datum of 1927, Earth observation, Earth observation satellite, Data science, Remote sensing, Empirical modelling, Algorithm, Cartography, Spatial analysis, Geocentric model, Digital Earth, Geographic coordinate system, Empirical researchTop concepts (fields/topics) attached by OpenAlex
- Cited by
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0Total citation count in OpenAlex
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| abstract_inverted_index.interoperability, | 174 |
| cited_by_percentile_year | |
| countries_distinct_count | 0 |
| institutions_distinct_count | 2 |
| citation_normalized_percentile |