Ep. 1: Mapping the Earth cover art

Ep. 1: Mapping the Earth

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Ep. 1: Mapping the Earth

By: Bill Bryson
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An object that helped create the first map of Britain and one at the forefront of climate-change research. Bill tells the stories of the Great Theodolite that was used on the principle triangulation of Britain, and AATSR (Advanced Along-Track Scanning Radiometer) that measures the temperature of the sea from space.

Both objects tell a story about why collaboration is so important in the field of scientific discovery from the teams that put together the first maps to the international fight against climate change. He is joined in this episode by Alex Rose, curator of Earth Sciences at the Science Museum.

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It was much easier to understand when I searched and found the links below:

https://collection.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects/co52825/theodolite-used-for-the-principal-triangulation-of-great-britain-theodolite

https://collection.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects/co8210695/along-track-scanning-radiometer-radiometer

Great description but I would add links to images of items in the museum

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An easy listen, garnished with entertaining anecdotes about the people behind these scientific achievements. Can't award the five stars because the host and guests sound a bit too much like primary school teachers making things very, very simple for children to understand. I personally wouldn't have minded a bit more technical detail; on the other hand, the historical context is well presented.

Light and entertaining.

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Lacks depth and muddy production values. Just didn't grab me. Deeper dives and more excitement needed.

A bit dull.

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Why do you need music over the discussion?
The subject matter should be interesting enough to listen to on it’s own without distraction. If not switch it off and listen to music instead.

Ruined by distraction of background “music”

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