GONIOMETRY: ORIGIN, WHAT IT STUDIES AND AUXILIARY BRANCHES - SCIENCE - 2025

The goniometry is a science which is based on measuring angles and is applied in various human disciplines, including medicine, physical therapy, communications and positioning studies. Used to determine the specific angle of an object, or to position an object at a specific angle.

This science gets its name from the Greek gonia, a word that means "angle" in Spanish; and metron, in the same language, means "measure." To carry out any investigation or goniometric measurement it is necessary to use a goniometer. This tool consists of a semicircular shape that, in turn, acts as a protractor.

In addition, it has a series of accessories that allow you to position an object at a desired angle. The use of the goniometer as a practical tool has increased over time. Today it is used in a wide variety of scientific practices to calculate angles with millimeter accuracy and reduce the margin of human error.

Origin

The astrolabe

The first time a goniometer was developed, it was a kind of evolution of the astrolabe. The astrolabe was a tool used by astronomers and navigators to measure the inclined position of the sky with respect to the place on Earth where the person was located.

This ancient tool was used to identify stars and planets, using the triangulation method. Therefore, the origins of the goniometer are closely associated with cartography.

Astrolabe

In ancient times, the lack of modern technology made it very difficult for sailors to locate the exact place where they were at sea.

The development of the astrolabe was crucial in improving this area, and the goniometer also came to be used as a navigation tool, as a derivation of the astrolabe.

Gemma Frisus

Gemma Frisus was a Dutch physicist, mathematician, and cartographer, who is credited with the first development of the goniometer.

His professional life was characterized by developing innovative techniques and tools that would improve the navigation systems of the time. He was one of the founders of the Dutch school of cartography.

During his time as an inventor he was the first person in the world to accurately describe how to develop a goniometer.

What do you study?

Goniometry is defined as the study of angles. It is a fairly open branch of science and has few limitations; it can be applied in conjunction with any other science that requires measurement and is closely related to algebra.

Goniometry is understood as any study of an angle that is carried out through the use of a goniometer.

Auxiliary branches

Given the versatility with which a goniometer can be used, it is very common to find this tool in a wide variety of fields of study. Today there are many sciences that use this tool to accurately measure the angles of various objects of study.

Surveying

Surveying is a science that is responsible for measuring an area of ​​land and its characteristics. To do this, a tool called theodolite is implemented, which serves to identify the angles present in a horizontal mass of land.

However, before the invention of the theodolite the goniometer fulfilled this function in surveying. Theodolite is much more accurate as a calculation tool on flat terrain, but the goniometer was very important until the theodolite was invented in 1571.

Communication

The goniometer was used in communications for a short period of time, between the two world wars.

In the 1920s, two systems of crossed antennas were used to generate a signal, by means of which the specific location of an emission could be determined by triangulating the place from which said signal was generated.

This was done by using a goniometer, but the technique has evolved over the years; more modern technology is used today.

However, goniometers remain essential tools for military forces when it is necessary to triangulate the location of an enemy using maps and angles.

Crystallography

Crystallography is an experimental science used to determine the order of atoms in crystal structures. This science gained a greater degree of importance at the beginning of the 20th century.

Since their inception, goniometers have been used to measure the angle between various crystals, as well as to perform x-ray measurements.

illumination

The goniometer allowed the development of a similar tool, specialized in measuring the angles of light.

This tool is called a goniophotometer and is mainly used today to measure certain aspects of LED lights. Since these lights are directed, the tool is used to determine their angle.

The goniophotometer works very similarly to the goniometer, but it captures light using mirrors. It is also used to measure the precision with which vehicle lights illuminate, helping to develop more efficient headlights for vehicles.

Medicine and therapy

After a person suffers an injury, goniometers are used to determine how severely the injury affects their physical development.

That is, if a person suffers an elbow injury, the goniometer determines whether the angle at which the person flexes the arm is normal or affected by the blow.

It is also used by doctors to determine disabilities in people. With the goniometer it is possible to determine if a disability is permanent or sporadic.

The most prominent use of the goniometer is in physical therapy. By applying this tool to athletes or people in rehabilitation therapy, it is possible to determine exactly what is the range of motion that a joint has.

By using this tool in each therapy session it is possible to determine the speed with which the person responds to treatment.

There are various designs of goniometers and some are more effective than others in certain types of therapy. Each part of the goniometer is placed on the body parts of the person to be assessed, so that it creates an angle in the specific area undergoing therapy. This allows an effective evaluation of progress.

References

1. Principles of Goniometry, Otrhopedic Examination, Evaluation and Intervention, (nd). Taken from mheducation.com
2. Goniometry, A Dictionary of Earth Sciences, 1999. Taken from encyclopedia.com
3. Goniometry, University of Scranton, (nd). Taken from Scranton.edu
4. Gemma Frisius Articles, Encyclopaedia Britannica, (nd). Taken from britannica.com
5. Astrolable, Encyclopaedia Britannica, (nd). Taken from britannica.com
6. Goniometer, Wikipedia in English, 2018. Taken from Wikipedia.org