Forms part of a series that looks at interesting, real-life applications of mathematics. This program looks at the role of mathematics in exploring the Earth and mapping and navigating its surface. Viewers see how aerial photographs, ground exploration, and trigonometry were used in the 1930s to map a mountainous part of the Yukon Territory. The process of mapping the sea floor and the stars is discussed, as well as the development of global positioning systems (GPS). .

Originally broadcast on PBS as an episode of the television program Life by numbers in 1998. Special features: Danny Glover bio; study guide. Also available as Streaming on Learn 360.

Shape of the world Unmapped territory Ocean floor GPS Mapping the universe Shape of things.