Talk:Quitsato Sundial
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Poorly sourced
[edit]This is such a poorly sourced article, I wonder if any of the information here is scientifically accurate. Since the GPS uses only an approximation for coordinates of the earth, I have a feeling that determining the "true" equator by GPS is not accurate. WGS 84 coordinates, used by GPS, are not necessarily the best for observing where the poles or the equator are. I wouldn't be surprised if the equator was as much as 100 m away from the GPS equator. As far as I know, the GPS coordinates in and around the Western Hemisphere tend (close to Washington, DC) to be more accurate than those elsewhere; however, I am not sure if this applies to latitudes. Furthermore, I am not sure if the equator itself is as dynamic as the location of the poles, both of which meander a bit for reasons unknown to me. My guess is that the equator changes slightly with time. I like to saw logs! (talk) 16:18, 6 February 2018 (UTC)
One of these Equators...
[edit]Hi, Uruiamme. It was an article wrote some years ago when was there. Can relate there's a bit of a clash between some touristic sites in EC claiming to be "on the true Equator line". For what is worth, Quitsato Sundial seems to be the most accurate Equatorial touristic place, and it's quite evident their owners worked hard to make it as accurate as they realistically could. They, with the support of Ecuadorian Military Geographic Institute, did some measurements using both civilian & military GPS equipment. The cool thing on that place is how accurate solstice, equinox, and even time of the day and month are projected by the shadows projected by the gnomon, through every and each line, mark and stone, which obviously would spectacularly fail had it were that inaccurate. IIRC, it also stays from zero to very close to zero lat on virtually any GNSS/GPS equipment tourists may bring there by the time was living there, unless if using any pre-WGS84 datums, eg, SAD69.
Given there was no article on it plus their educational / touristic relevance, found out it was more than enough relevant to include. Most known Equatorial touristic attraction Mitad Del Mundo is about 243m offset, and both are known to be touristically promoted as "the true Equator". This one is way less known, but def far more accurate.
Guess direct satellite measurement could be even more precise, but not sure how much over from-that-time-to-current military GPS tech. Also, wonder if actual equator does move a bit because of below-level geological forces. GPS accuracy likely ain't linked to any single city, but from the number of sats linked during measuring. Also, is important to remember (Google )Maps applications may offset and blackout stuff given, among others, security concerns and its mainly civilian use.
What could be improved, according to you? I may try to help. --Gatoparlante (talk) 14:20, 19 July 2022 (UTC).