Final answer:
To compensate for the Earth's curvature, geodesic calculations are necessary, using the concept of the great circle for determining the shortest routes. Relativity affects GPS technology, which requires accounting for Earth's curved space and non-spherical shape. Longitude and latitude systems are employed by geographers for accurate navigation and measurement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Because of the curvature of the Earth, it is necessary to compensate for changes in lines such as those of latitude and longitude through the use of geodesic calculations. These calculations take into account the shortest distance between two points on a curved surface, which is known as the arc of a great circle. When planning routes for travel, particularly air travel from one location to another, such as from Chicago to Rome, it's necessary to follow a great circle to achieve the most direct route. This accounts for the Earth's curvature and ensures the shortest path is taken.
Relativity also plays a crucial role in everyday technology such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS), which require precise measurements and account for relativistic effects and variations in Earth's shape and gravity to provide accurate location data.
Understanding that the Earth is not a perfect sphere but bulges at the equator also affects how we calculate its surface. Geographers and cartographers have created systems like the graticule, based on lines of longitude and latitude, to navigate and measure Earth's surface accurately despite its geometric imperfections.