ellipsoid

Introduction References & Edit History Related Topics

Images & Videos

A three-dimensional, oval-shaped ellipsoid is shown with a grid pattern across its surface, illustrating its curved, symmetrical form.

Image shows a sketch of the Earth on graph paper with a photo of the Earth in the background. Blue arrows point to the sketch and the word FAKE? appears above in red letters.

Diagram showing the deflection of the vertical from the geoid to the ellipsoid or spheroid, with labeled lines for geoid, spheroid, rock surface, ocean, and geoid height in a geology context.

ellipsoid: References & Edit History

More Articles On This Topic

geoid

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

Robert Osserman

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type	Description	Contributor	Date
	Media added.	Meg Matthias	Jun 04, 2025
	Article revised and updated.	William L. Hosch	Aug 25, 2006
	Article revised.	The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica	Feb 15, 1999
	Article added to new online database.	The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica	Jul 20, 1998