Struve Geodetic Arc

The Struve Geodetic Arc was laid out in 1816-1855 under direction of Wilhelm von Struve, a German astonomer, with the aim of determining the size and the shape of the earth.

The Geodetic Arc consists of 265 measured landmarks along a route of 2820 kilometres crossing ten countries. It goes from Hammerfest, Norway, to Izmail by the Black Sea.

Seven of the station points are situated in Sweden and four out of them are parts of the world heritage site. Those points are located to the mountains Tynnyrilaki, Jupukka, Pullinki and Perävaara in the municipalities of Kiruna, Pajala, Övertorneå and Haparanda.

The Justification of the World Heritage Committee

Struve´s triangulation of a long meridian segment has contributed to establish the precise size and shape of the globe. The measurement meant a great step forward to science. Measuring Struve´s Meridian Arc is also a good example of collaboration between scientists in different countries.

Struve Geodetic Arc at UNESCO.org