Flat EarthAtlas

Position A

Geodesy, satellite navigation, and spaceflight records are read as showing Earth as an oblate spheroid, with horizon and perspective observations treated as local-view effects within globe measurements used in surveying and orbital reconstruction.

Falsification · This account would be weakened if independent geodetic networks, GNSS, and multi-nation spaceflight systems required a planar model to remain internally consistent across surveying, timing, and orbital data.

• National geodetic surveys model Earth as an oblate spheroid and publish reference frames used for mapping and navigation.
• GNSS and satellite orbits are designed and operated with a globe gravity field; consumer and professional receivers routinely solve positions under that model.
• Crewed and robotic spaceflight imagery, telemetry, and Earth-observation programs from multiple agencies produce mutually consistent spheroid reconstructions.

• Assumption (strong): Independent national geodesy and satellite operators are not all fabricating the same spheroid parameters.
• Assumption (strong): Local horizon appearance can be explained by perspective and atmospheric refraction on a large sphere.
• Assumption (moderate): Amateur experiments that appear planar locally do not scale to global geodesy.

Position B

Flat-Earth movement materials are read as showing a non-globe model from horizon and perspective observations, with satellite and spaceflight outputs treated as curated institutional imagery within a planar-Earth reading kept open in the public debate.

Falsification · This account would be weakened if controlled, independently replicated observations forced a spheroid geometry with no remaining planar reconstruction that fits horizon, navigation, and imagery data without institutional mediation.

• Movement materials emphasize unaided horizon observations, Bedford-level style distance tests, and water-surface arguments as more direct than agency imagery.
• Satellite photographs and videos are treated as composited or curated institutional products rather than as decisive outdoor proof for non-specialists.
• Distrust of space-agency and mapping institutions is cited as reason to privilege DIY optics and community experiments over official geodesy statements.

• Assumption (weak): Institutional Earth imagery can be curated enough to mislead non-specialist viewers about global shape.
• Assumption (weak): Locally flat sensory experience is a reliable guide to planetary geometry.
• Assumption (weak): Community replications of historical flat-Earth experiments remain informative against modern geodesy.